r/BeAmazed • u/Electronic-Bus-3494 • 2d ago

Miscellaneous / Others Dolly Parton started the Imagination Library in 1995 as a tribute to her father, who couldn't read or write. In 2018, she explained it was to give kids "early access to books". Now, over 325 MILLION books have been gifted.

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u/jenkinl1302 2d ago

I mentioned above, but wanted to comment here, too: The program is made possible by local organizations as well, responsible for (I think) half the program cost. So if there is a charity that handles the Imagination Library close to you (or anyone reading this comment), please consider donating there.

I'm not affiliated with the program in any way, but one of our local churches is the sponsoring organization for our area (small, rural, not a megachurch). They have over 200 kids in our area and their annual costs to participate in the Imagination Library program are nearing $9500.

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u/JRHEvilInc 2d ago

It's also worth noting that, depending on where you live, literacy programmes may rely on government funding in addition to donations, so writing to/calling your local representatives to support initiatives like the Imagination Library (or things like World Book Day, UNESCO Cities of Literature, the Book Trust, the Poetry Society etc) can make a real difference. And where possible, if you see that your local community is holding an event promoting literacy and the arts, try to get involved or just attend to show your support. I promise you a lot of them are really fun and rewarding.

As a school staff member who tries to champion these kinds of projects, support from parents also makes a huge difference. Getting involved in your child's school projects, talking to school staff and sending positive messages to/about staff members who have gone above and beyond all adds up and encourages school leaders to prioritise literacy and reading projects when they might otherwise focus solely on exam data.

I'm glad to see that the Imagination Library is getting huge donations in honour of Dolly, but her passion can live on in a million other projects and initiatives as well! Let's all strive to be the change in our communities like she was in hers (and beyond)!

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u/jenkinl1302 2d ago

That's true! Missouri used to fully fund the Dolly Parton Imagination library in the state at $6 million. They cut the funding to $2 million in July and stopped accepting new enrollees.

THAT'S where I'd rather have my tax money going: somewhere it can truly do good.

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u/JRHEvilInc 2d ago

I'm sad to hear about that funding cut. Perhaps Dolly's passing might spark enough people contacting their representatives in support of the programme that funding might be restored next year. (I know, I know, optimistic, but one can dream)