Dolly Parton’s legacy lives on
Brown County receive 1,000 free books each month from Imagination Library
Brown County United Way executive director Tamara Furth holds up a copy of “The Little Engine that Could.” It is the first book children receive when they sign up for the Imagination Library. A free book program started by Dolly Parton. Photo by Clay Schuldt
An assortment of books that have been shipped to Brown County area children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program gifts Brown County children with an average of 1,000 books every month. Photo by Clay Schuldt
Brown County United Way executive director Tamara Furth holds up a copy of “The Little Engine that Could.” It is the first book children receive when they sign up for the Imagination Library. A free book program started by Dolly Parton. Photo by Clay Schuldt
An assortment of books that have been shipped to Brown County area children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program gifts Brown County children with an average of 1,000 books every month. Photo by Clay Schuldt
Trending
NEW ULM - The recent death of country singer Dolly Parton has drawn new interest in her life and the causes that meant the most to her -- specifically, her Imagination Library program that promoted literacy.
The Imagination Library began in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, with the goal of increasing literacy. The program was started by Parton through her Dollywood Foundation.
Through the program, families may enroll children five and under in a free book program. After the child is enrolled, every month they receive an age-appropriate book until they age out of the program.
In her lifetime, Parton's Imagination Library gifted over $330 million in free books to children worldwide. That includes children in Brown County.
"Imagination Library has been part of Brown County United Way for over 20 years," Brown County United Way executive director Tamara Furth said. "It delivers thousands of books every year. So far this year, it has mailed out 8,172 books in this county."
This is about 1,000 books shipped to children in Brown County every month.
Furth said the Dollywood Foundation covers the cost for most of the books, but a local sponsor is needed in each region. Brown County United Way has been the local sponsor since 2010. United Way typically covers the cost of shipping the book. Each year, United Way sets aside $25,000 to cover the local cost of this program.
United Way does accept direct donations for the Imagination Library program to offset this cost. Since Parton's death, the amount of donations has increased.
Furth said one generous donor was celebrating her 80th birthday by having family and friends donate to Imagination Library instead of sending her gifts.
How do families enroll their children in Imagination Library?
Furth said it is relatively easy. Families with kids ages 0-5 can call Brown County United Way to get registered or visit their website at https://www.uwbrowncounty.org/
Furth said there is a simple form to fill out confirming the age of the children and an address to mail the book. After registering, the first book should arrive within a month. The books are mailed directly to the child's home and have the child's name on them.
The first book each child receives is "The Little Engine that Could," by Watty Piper. Each month after, the kids will receive an age-appropriate book. The books are mailed based on the age development of the child. The idea is for the books to age up with the child. The program ends at age 5 when most children enter kindergarten.
One of the things that makes Imagination Library unique is that there are no eligibility requirements. Furth said there are many United Way programs there are eligibility limitation, but not Imagination Library. The ease of signing up for the program has helped spread its popularity.
"Imagination Library is for all children regardless of economic situation," Furth said. "It is equal for all children. It was Dolly's philosophy that all children should have equal access to learning and to books. She did not want anyone to feel different; books are for everyone."
Parton was passionate about literacy because she grew up in a part of the country where literacy rates were low and her father was illiterate.
"This was her gift to empower children to read and let their imagination carry them to all the places books take you," Furth said.
Parton's death will not slow Imagination Library down. Furth said she received an email from Dollywood Foundation confirming the program will continue because it was how Parton wanted to be remembered.
Parton was quoted as saying "I want to be remembered for books, not my looks."
Furth said the Imagination Library has been a big part of the United Way program for years and is a pillar project.
Those interested in sponsoring the local Imagination Library are asked to contact Brown County United Way at 507-354-6512. Donations can be mailed to United Way of the Brown County Area, PO Box 476, New Ulm, MN 56073.
Any family with preschool children residing in Brown County may apply to the Imagination Library program. Registration forms are available on the United Way Brown County Area website.