“The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a great asset for our community,” said Amanda Marshall Tucker, director of Early Learning at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. “Once a child is signed up, they will receive a new book each month, completely free of charge to the family. I love how this program can help inspire a love of reading to children at an early age.”
Listening to her mother read Bible stories inspired Dolly Parton to launch her Imagination Library in 1995 from Sevier County, Tenn. Today, over 2.3 million children are enrolled in the program, and over 200 million books have been distributed.
“When I was growing up in the hills of east Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true,” Parton said. “I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
Registration forms to enroll a child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are available at the Alleghany Highlands Early Learning Centers or on the Alleghany Highlands YMCA’s website. Parents or guardians can also obtain a registration form through the libraries in Clifton Forge and Covington.
Businesses, organizations or individuals who wish to donate funds to support this gift to children should contact the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Early Learning Centers, headquartered at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA in Low Moor. For more information, call (540) 962-9622.
