Dolly Parton is arguably one of the most influential and generous women in the world. And her nonprofit program, Imagination Library, is near and dear to our heart.
For those unfamiliar, Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school in participating areas. Started in 1995, the program has grown from providing books to children in Sevier County, Tennessee (where Dolly grew up) to sending over one million books a month to children across the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
We’re celebrating Dolly’s birthday a little early this year and partnering with Imagination Library to bring more books to more children. For every item purchased on January 16, we’re donating one book to Imagination Library.
We also got to meet some of the women behind Imagination Library and asked them about their favorite books, working at the organization, and Dolly, of course. Meet them below.
Erica Mitchell, Chief Community Impact Officer
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Favorite children’s book?
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson
Favorite book of all time?
“The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson
Best thing about working for Imagination Library?
Building home libraries for every kid, free of charge!
Favorite Dolly quote?
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton
Mary Jo Wiggins: Chief Development Officer
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Favorite children’s book?
“Corduroy” by Don Freeman
Best thing about working for Imagination Library?
Telling parents that each of their children can build a full library of wonderful books, at no cost to the families!
Favorite Dolly song?
“Islands in the Stream,” because it reminds me of my dad who played Dolly all my growing up years, and “Jolene,” because my teenage girls sing it together.
Leslie Watt: Sr. Manager, Education with the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
Hometown: Hagerstown, Maryland
Favorite children’s book?
“Corduroy” by Don Freeman
Favorite book of all time?
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
Best thing about working for Imagination Library?
I love knowing that children experience pure joy when they receive a new book each month in the mailbox. There is nothing more wonderful than opening the pages of a good book.
Favorite Dolly quote?
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” – Dolly Parton
Brooke Seigle-Rochelle, Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee Manager
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Favorite children’s book?
My picture Bible
Favorite book of all time?
Anything by Barbara Kingsolver. She is one of the most influential and prolific modern writers around. I own and have read every book she has ever written! A few times!
Best thing about working for Imagination Library?
I am passionate about children. I want them to feel loved and successful. Books are a great vehicle for nurturing these feelings. There is nothing more enjoyable to me than reading to a group of children and seeing them interact, experience, and learn through a story.
Favorite Dolly quote?
“Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me because I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy. He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams. Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission.”
Please visit Imagination Library for more information on the program.
Photography by Kiki Morton
