Oklahoma families are receiving a steady stream of free books thanks to the Dolly Parton‑founded Imagination Library. The program, which provides a monthly book to every child from birth to age five, has distributed over 786,000 books across the state this year alone.
Local partnership drives impact
Erin Bell, director of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, explained that the initiative has become a cornerstone of early‑childhood education in the state. “It’s been really important for her to give back, and she has said many times the thing that she is most proud of is her work with the Imagination Library and making sure families have books,” Bell said.
Bell also reflected on the emotional loss felt by many after Dolly Parton’s recent passing. “I really felt shocked, and of course, extremely sad. Dolly was such a legend and seemed almost superhuman. It felt like she would be here forever,” she added.
Numbers show growing reach
The program, which began in Oklahoma around 2020, now operates in 74 of the state’s 77 counties. In September alone, more than 101,000 children will receive a book addressed to them by name, a gift that carries Parton’s signature and a personal note.
Bell highlighted the broader educational benefits: “When we think about Oklahoma’s literacy rates and the concern we all have about the future, one of the best ways to make sure kids are ready for school, ready to read, is by making sure they are read to from birth.” The monthly deliveries aim to foster a love of reading early, giving children a head start before they enter kindergarten.
How the program works
Parents or guardians sign up their children online or through local schools and community organizations. Once enrolled, a book arrives at the family’s door each month, personalized with the child’s name. The titles are carefully selected to match developmental stages, encouraging vocabulary growth and comprehension.
Because the service is free, it removes a financial barrier that can limit access to quality reading material, especially in low‑income neighborhoods. The program’s expansion into rural counties has been praised by educators who see a direct correlation between book exposure and improved classroom performance.
Community response
Local teachers, librarians, and faith‑based groups have rallied around the initiative, often hosting “book‑opening” events where families gather to celebrate each new delivery. These gatherings reinforce the program’s dual focus on literacy and family bonding, aligning with Oklahoma’s strong tradition of community support and parental involvement.
As the Imagination Library continues to grow, Bell remains optimistic that the legacy of Dolly Parton’s generosity will endure for generations. “After I processed that loss, I started thinking about the legacy she’s leaving behind and how every book has her name on it and a note from her in the book,” Bell said. “That legacy is living in the hands of our children, one page at a time.”
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
