In the wake of Dolly Parton’s death, community leaders in the New York‑New Jersey‑Connecticut region are moving quickly to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that delivers free books to children from birth through age five. The effort underscores the enduring impact of Parton’s commitment to literacy and the role of local nonprofits in bringing that vision to families.
Verona Bookstore Gains Program Approval
The Collective Literary Foundation, the nonprofit arm of The Collective Bookstore in Verona, New Jersey, recently received approval to participate in the Imagination Library. “In Verona there are about a thousand kids ages zero through five, and our goal is 100% fulfillment – we want every child in town to get a book,” said Josh Jacobs, owner of The Collective Bookstore. Jacobs explained that the partnership was discovered during a family road trip to Dollywood, where the bookstore’s mission aligned closely with the foundation’s focus on getting books into children’s hands.
Jacobs expressed both sadness at Parton’s passing and optimism about the upcoming launch. “We were obviously saddened – we’re big fans personally – and we’re also sad we weren’t able to launch officially before her death,” he said. He expects the Verona program to begin distributing books within two weeks, making the town the fifth Imagination Library partner in New Jersey.
Statewide Expansion in New York
New York State is also strengthening its involvement. The Office of Children and Family Services has become a new partner, taking over a role previously held by the New York State Library. This change aims to streamline the distribution of books to families throughout the state.
Additionally, the United Way of New York City celebrated a decade of collaboration with the Imagination Library and the Books From Birth program. Over ten years, the partnership has placed half a million books into the hands of more than 17,000 families, reinforcing the program’s reach in urban neighborhoods.
Local Tributes Highlight Community Impact
Across the region, tributes to Parton have taken creative forms. In New York City, local artists temporarily renamed the Fulton Street subway station “Dolly Parton Street,” while the IFC Center in Greenwich Village displayed a marquee message, “IFC will always love you.” These gestures reflect the deep appreciation for Parton’s philanthropic legacy.
Community members see the Imagination Library as a tangible way to honor Parton’s memory. By ensuring that every child receives a book, the program supports early literacy, parental involvement, and a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
With new partners joining in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, the Imagination Library is poised to reach more families than ever before. Organizers hope that the momentum generated by recent tributes will translate into sustained support for childhood literacy, reinforcing the belief that books are a cornerstone of strong families and thriving neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
