Dolly Parton's vision of serving communities, especially of putting books in the hands of every child, at no cost, inspired Columbus librarians to do the same.
The late Parton's message of literacy, compassion and service was the inspiration for Columbus Metropolitan Library's Karl Road branch to have an annual Dolly Week celebration the past three years. Parton was born Jan. 19, 80 years ago.
The event includesa “Dress Like Dolly Day” and potluck for staff; a bluegrass concert, a Dolly selfie station, Dolly birthday bash and and a food/hygiene products drive and giveaway – designed to spur signups in her Imagination Library.
Branch manager Brandon Thomas said while he'd never met nor seen Parton in concert, "We can only wish. We live vicariously
through her deeds."
It's hard to disagree with someone dedicated to improving young lives, a core mission of libraries.
Based on her passing, "I think we can lean into that even heavier now, into the message and the philosophy. You can't think of someone that espouses those ideals more than Dolly Parton," said Thomas. "None of us are Grammy winning song writers, but she puts a lot of fuel on the fire to do what we do."
He and Holly Muster, a youth engagement specialist at the branch, were discussing upcoming events for this year's event when they heard that Parton had died Aug. 26.
It was Muster who conceived the idea as a way to counter mid-winter blues three years ago.
"When you think of her you just think of kindness and passion and how can you make a difference. It inspires all of us to do the same..... you want to be like Dolly: 'If Dolly can do it, you can do it,' " Muster said.
This year's food drive amassed 192 pounds of food and hygiene items, with people inspired by her giving, Muster said. "When you work in your community and you're surrounded by the excitement of literacy, Dolly just aligns with that so much ... her spunkiness and authenticity. You couldn't pull one over on her. She was a light in this world that can be so heavy."
Growth and development reporter Dean Narciso can be reached at dnarciso@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus library's 'Dolly Week' inspired by beloved artist's passion
