Dolly Parton's Imagination Library benefiting local kids

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Dolly Parton is being remembered for both her musical resume as well as her generous spirit. 

One of her many initiatives has benefitted many local children while promoting literacy.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library launched in 1995 as a tribute to her father, who couldn’t read or write.

The nonprofit program mails free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to 5-years-old, no matter the family’s income.

In Decatur County, there’s 834 kids currently signed up for the program. It is led by the Decatur County United Fund and Decatur County Memorial Hospital.

In Ripley County, the program is led by the Ripley County Community Foundation, Southeast Indiana YMCA, Batesville Memorial Public Library, Osgood Milan Public Library, and the Tyson Library. There are approximately 786 kids currently enrolled.

Franklin County launched their Imagination Library in 2007 and celebrated the first high school graduate who was part of the program in 2024. They had approximately 640 kids enrolled in the program last summer. 

In Dearborn County, the Imagination Library opened in 2008 and is currently managed by BSP Movements. The program has delivered books to more than 4,700 local children and are currently serving approximately 1,500.

Laura Priebe has served as the administrator of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Dearborn County since 2009.

“I have seen tremendous growth in the number of children we are able to serve through this program. Because of the amazing partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, it costs only $2.60 to send a brand new specially selected book to a child’s home,” Priebe said. 

The local Imagination Library's rely on community foundations and local donations for support. Due to that, they have had to limit enrollment due to funding constraints in the past.

Priebe added that the State of Indiana has established the State Imagination Library, where local funding efforts are matched, and every child who requests enrollment is accepted. 

“The number of children enrolled is steadily growing at a rate of 13%, and in September, 1505 books will be mailed to children in Dearborn County.  It gives me such joy to think that because of these efforts, children see their name on a book, rip off the plastic and climb into

the laps of their loved ones to share stories,” Priebe said.

You can support any of these programs or signup your children for the free books by clicking here.

Overall, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has distributed approximately 330 million free books to children worldwide.