At its Sept. 17 meeting, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court voted to proclaim Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day. The resolution, approved by three of the four commissioners, highlights the late star’s lasting impact on childhood literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children from birth through age five.
Why the county chose Sept. 25
Parton passed away on Aug. 25 at age 80. County officials selected the following month’s 25th because the date can be written as “9/25,” a nod to her classic hit “9 to 5.” County Judge Mark Keough said, “It’s just amazing when you look at her life and all the things that she did and really how it has impacted us here in Montgomery County through the Books on Wheels program.”
Imagination Library’s local footprint
Founded in 1995 after Parton was inspired by her father’s struggle with illiteracy, the Imagination Library has distributed more than 300 million books worldwide. In Montgomery County, the program is sponsored by Children’s Books on Wheels, a local nonprofit that partners with the Montgomery County Memorial Library System.
Library celebrations and card drive
Library System Director Janna Hoglund announced that every county library will host special programming on Sept. 25 to honor Parton’s legacy. The county is also observing September as Library Card Sign‑Up Month. During the Sept. 17 meeting, library staff presented newly designed library cards to Judge Keough and the commissioners. Hoglund explained that a library card grants access to printed and digital books, audiobooks, movies, databases, computers, makerspaces and educational programs.
“If you don’t have a library card, this is the perfect time to get one,” Hoglund said. “Please remember that a library card opens the door, and behind that door is a world of possibilities.” Residents who sign up for a new card, renew an existing one, or check out materials during September will automatically be entered into a gift‑card drawing.
Community impact
The resolution underscores Montgomery County’s commitment to family‑centered education and the values of faith, tradition and liberty that guide our community. By promoting free early‑learning books, the county helps parents give their children a strong start, reinforcing the role of the family as the foundation of a thriving neighborhood.
Local leaders encourage families to take advantage of the library’s resources, noting that early literacy is linked to better academic outcomes and stronger moral development. The Dolly Parton Day proclamation serves both as a tribute to a beloved cultural icon and as a reminder that the county’s public institutions remain dedicated to serving every child.
How to participate
Residents can learn more about the Sept. 25 events, library card sign‑up details and the gift‑card drawing on the Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s website, events calendar and Facebook page. The county hopes the celebration will inspire more families to join the Imagination Library and to make regular use of the library’s many resources.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
