Dolly Parton’s famous Imagination Library has been gifting children all over the world with free books for over 30 years. Spreading a love and appreciation of reading, improving literacy rates, and inspiring future writers and readers is the cornerstone of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Since the library began, over 275 million books have been distributed around the world to children under the age of five. Dolly began the library in memory of her father, and he told her, “It was the most important thing she had ever done.” The award-winning songwriter, singer, and cultural icon simply wanted to make a difference. “Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission. In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county, but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to well over 3 million children,” said Dolly’s letter on her website.
The Imagination Library is providing real change, and 20 years of research have proved the lasting effects. Supportive research has indicated that families who participate in the program, and teachers who observe students in the program, have overwhelmingly positive reactions to issues such as improved literacy rates. Every child should have access to books regardless of income, and Dolly is determined to make that happen.
At the end of 2024, the Twin Cities officially opened the SouthWest Metro Area chapter of the Imagination Library, thanks in part to a generous effort by the Chanhassen Rotary, which is now an official program affiliate for the Imagination Library. The chapter hopes to provide the same joy of reading, serving families in Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, Victoria, Excelsior, and Waconia, and is continually exploring ways to serve more communities. Enrolled children will receive a free, age-appropriate book every month until they turn five, helping to inspire a life-long love of reading.
The Chanhassen Rotary Club works with sponsors and relies on donations to keep the program running and keep books in the hands of young children. Donations go a long way, and the goal is to continue to expand in the metro area. In Minnesota, there are roughly 50 chapters of the Imagination Library, and over 37,000 participants throughout the state.
With each monthly delivery, the SouthWest Metro Area chapter is turning a love of reading into a lasting gift for families across our community. Sometimes the smallest gifts — like a book — can make the biggest difference.
To learn more about The Imagination Library and the impact the program has had globally, visit imaginationlibrary.com
To get involved or support the SouthWest Metro Area chapter, visit chanhassenrotary.org
Enrolled children will receive a free, age-appropriate book every month until they turn five, helping to inspire a life-long love of reading.