Springfield school official lauds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program as a “resource for getting books into children’s hands. The beloved American singer-songwriter’s initiative was created to foster a love of reading among children in her home county in East Tennessee back in 1995. As of Wednesday, the program is geared toward Missouri children under age 5, who can receive a free, monthly, age-appropriate book delivered straight to their homes.
Sharing her excitement, Tammy Flowers, assistant director of early childhood education in Springfield, mentioned the positive impact of the program, stressing the importance of books in the lives of children. Dolly Parton’s vision has since expanded over the years, moving past borders to include children in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with millions of books distributed worldwide.
Now, Missouri marks the 14th state to engage in this program across the board, with support from legislation and $11 million in allocated funds as part of the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget. The spotlight is also on the state’s Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven and the assistant commissioner of the Office of Childhood, Pam Thomas, who highlighted the significance of the program in light of the child’s growth, stating that “families can sign up regardless of income or location.” Parents are encouraged to sign up at their website, and the books are selected by a panel of early childhood experts. Promoting positivity, the first book a child receives is “The Little Engine That Could,” followed by “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” the month the child turns 5.
The Dollywood Foundation partners with Penguin Random House to produce the books, and thanks to the state funding in Missouri, the $26 cost to distribute the books is covered for each child.
Springfield Public Schools assistant superintendent, Tammy Flowers, is thrilled to report on the significant and positive impact of the program on children’s vocabulary, literacy, and confidence. She considers it as a game-changer that makes reading exciting and opens doors to success in school.
Dolly Parton has committed to visiting each state that offers the Imagination Library to all children under age 5. Missouri is on her list of places to visit, expressing her gratitude to those who support the program.
Offering Imagination Library in select locations for a decade, the existing programs will now be absorbed as the statewide program unveils. Previously, one prominent local author and education advocate, David Harrison, worked diligently, raising funds to offer Imagination Library for children in four Greene County ZIP codes. His dedication emphasizes the lasting impact and growing success of the program, with plans to expand across the state. Harrison extends his appreciation to Dolly Parton, recognizing her exceptional commitment and inspiring vision.
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