HCCF Celebrates Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 200 Millionth Book Milestone
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is turning over a new chapter in its legacy - celebrating 200 million books gifted globally since inception in 1995. The early childhood book-gifting program mails a high-quality, free book each month to children from birth to age five. Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF) is excited to celebrate with every child and family enrolled in our community. HCCF began sponsoring the program for Harrison County children in 2008. Since then, over 280,000 books have been distributed locally.
To celebrate this global 200 million book milestone, seven enchanting Dolly bookmarks will be randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month (September) to children and families currently enrolled in the program around the world. Children must be enrolled by July 31, 2023, to receive Imagination Library books in September. Seven random children in five countries who find the Dolly bookmarks in their Imagination Library books will receive, if they choose, a video chat with Dolly, a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets.
Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started the Imagination Library in 1995 to serve the children of her hometown in Sevier County, Tennessee. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over 2.4 million free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children around the world. There is never a charge to families who participate in the program, and it is open to all children under the age of five in geographic areas with operating programs. HCCF is proud to support this program in Harrison County through its Early Readers Fund. Any financial gift in support of this fund receives a 2:1 match from the Foundation.
Participating in 200 Million Reasons to Celebrate is voluntary and does not affect enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. All children under five years of age who are actively enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by July 31, 2023, can participate. To learn more, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/200-million-books or reach out to HCCF at (812) 738-6668.