Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that distributes millions of free books to children around the world every month, will continue to operate following the death of the legendary country singer, songwriter and actress.
The Imagination Library offers free books to children ages 0-5 through funding from Parton and local community partners in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. Western North Carolina is among the areas where the program is offered.
Founded by Parton in 1995, the Imagination Library was inspired by her father, who was unable to read or write. According to its website, the program gives millions of free books to children around the world every month.
"When I was growing up in the hills
of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true," wrote Parton on the website. "I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world."
Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, as reported by the Citizen Times. Here's what to know about the program today.
What is the Imagination Library? Who qualifies for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Children ages 0-5 in participating locations qualify for free books from the Imagination Library, regardless of income. Interested families can visit the program's website at imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability to see if they qualify.
Is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library available in North Carolina? Asheville?
Yes, free books from the Imagination Library are available to families in Asheville and surrounding areas, as well as in much of N.C. The program's availability tool at imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability provides further information by zip code.
Will Dolly Parton's Imagination Library continue to run after her death?
Yes. Spokespeople for the Imagination Library have confirmed to multiple news organizations that the program will continue following Parton's death on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
How to donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
To make a donation to the Imagination Library, visit donate.imaginationlibrary.com.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Will the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library continue to run without her?
