Seward Mayor Joshua Eickmeier announced that Sept. 25, 2026 will be celebrated as “Give Like Dolly” Day, a city‑wide call to honor the late Dolly Parton’s legacy of reading and philanthropy. The proclamation, signed by the mayor and posted on the city’s website, recognizes Dolly Parton not only as a celebrated singer‑songwriter and businesswoman but also as a humanitarian who championed early childhood literacy.
Why the day matters for Seward families
The city’s declaration specifically highlights the Seward Imagination Library, a local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s national Imagination Library program. The Seward branch mails free, age‑appropriate books to over 520 children in the community, helping to foster a love of reading from birth through early elementary school. Mayor Eickmeier noted that the program aligns with Seward’s long‑standing commitment to strong families and faith‑based values, giving children the tools they need to succeed academically and morally.
How residents can participate
Mayor Eickmeier urged all Seward residents to mark the calendar and consider donating to the library on Sept. 25. Contributions will go directly toward purchasing additional books, covering shipping costs, and expanding the program to reach more families in the coming years. The city’s website provides a simple online donation portal, and local businesses have pledged to match community gifts up to a set amount, amplifying the impact of each contribution.
Community response
Local parents and educators welcomed the proclamation, describing it as a “beautiful reminder of the power of reading” and an opportunity for the community to rally around a cause that benefits children of all backgrounds. The Seward Public Library’s director, Karen Whitaker, said the Imagination Library has already shown measurable improvements in early literacy scores among participating families.
Mayor’s broader vision
In his remarks, Mayor Eickmeier linked the “Give Like Dolly” initiative to Seward’s broader vision of nurturing a thriving, faith‑centered community. He emphasized that supporting children’s education is a cornerstone of building strong families, which in turn sustains the moral fabric of the town. The mayor also highlighted recent city projects that have improved public safety and infrastructure, underscoring a holistic approach to community development.
Looking ahead
The city plans to host a series of family‑friendly events throughout September, including a book‑reading festival at the downtown park and a volunteer day at the library. These activities aim to raise awareness of the Imagination Library’s mission and encourage ongoing participation beyond the designated day.
Mayor Eickmeier concluded by thanking Dolly Parton’s foundation for its enduring commitment to children’s literacy and inviting all Seward residents to “give like Dolly” by supporting the next generation of readers.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
