Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to continue literacy mission

Following the death of Dolly Parton, the Dollywood Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the Imagination Library, a global literacy program that provides free books to children from birth to age five.

In Manchester, United Kingdom, the Manchester Imagination Library—a volunteer-run charity—has distributed over 50,000 books to nearly 3,000 children since 2018. Local organizers reassured families that monthly book deliveries will continue without interruption. The charity is currently working on its ‘Year of Reading 2026’ project to fund books for 400 infants born this year.

In the United States, the Jeannette Public Library in Pennsylvania has provided over 1,400 books through the program to address community needs. Since its launch in 1995, the Imagination Library has distributed more than 3 million books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation, stated that the organization is prepared to carry Parton’s mission forward to ensure the program continues to reach families and communities.