New Chapter of Dolly Parton Imagination Library aims to deliver books to Children across Patrick County.
“The seeds of dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”~Dolly Parton
Stuart, Virginia- The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Patrick County has formed as a collaborative effort between the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, One Family Productions, Step Inc. and members of our community. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Patrick County is the local chapter of this national program that will assist in providing high-quality books to children from birth to age five- for free. Funds raised locally ensure every child in Patrick County that meets the age requirements will have a book mailed to them each month.
“We are excited to bring this nationally acclaimed program to Patrick County to assist our future generation with literacy skills that help them have a bright future,” says Rebecca Adcock, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “Reading is fundamental and this program ensures kids from all backgrounds have equal access to books.”
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted nearly 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. The Imagination Library mails more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to enrolled children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.
One Family Productions president Sarah Wray shared “One Family Productions is proud to be a part of the collaborative team spearheading this outreach as its purpose aligns closely with our mission to support community enrichment. We are amazed by the incredible support of the community rallying behind the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and we know its implementation will have lasting impacts in the lives of children across Patrick County.”
Since starting the fundraising effort, over $6,000 dollars has been collected. Donations from the Chamber of Commerce, One Family Productions, Step Inc, Stuart Rotary and individuals have been pooled for this effort. The collaborative effort between the three organizations with support from a diverse steering committee will ensure the program is a success, both in getting the word out, enrolling kids and fundraising to cover the costs.
Applications for enrollment are now available at the Chamber office, the Library and on the chamber website. Once the registration is returned to the Chamber, it can take a couple of months to process through the national system. Step Inc. is the fiscal agent and will be collecting donations for the program. If interested in making contributions to support the Imagination Library please make checks payable to STEP Inc, noting DPIL in the memo line and mail them to 200 Dent Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151. More information can be found on the Chamber website, www.patrickchamber.com or call the office 276-694-6012.
The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.
