The Imagination Library of Greene County celebrated the life and legacy of literacy Dolly Parton at the Greeneville/Greene County Library.
A display table was set up at the library that featured free books, bookmarks, stickers for children and a chance to write a little note in memory of Dolly Parton on a banner on the table. Some listed their favorite books while others left heartfelt messages about what Dolly meant to them. Dozens of children stayed for a story time at the library as well.
The Imagination Library is a nonprofit started by Dolly Parton that provides a free book each month for children each from their date of birth until they turn five years of age. That means a child could receive up to 60 unique books during their time in the program.
Over 3,000 children in Greene County receive free books through the organization.
Local Imagination Library Director Ruth Burkey said Tuesday’s event was well-received, and encouraged anyone with young children in Greene County to enroll in the Imagination Library.
“We were pleased with the turnout, and it was so nice hearing everyone talk about their favorite Imagination Library Books. I encourage parents to enroll their children if they don’t already receive books. It’s a common misconception that children in the same family will receive the same 60 books. There are rotating selections of books so that if you have more than one child in your family you may have some overlapping books, but most of them will be different! Often the first books for babies are repeats and, of course, all children get the first book: ‘Little Engine That Could,’ and the last book ‘Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come.’ Some parents don’t like receiving duplicate books. They feel like they’re being wasted. I tell them to please donate back those books to us. We then use them for events like today,” Burkey said.
Parents and guardians can enroll their children in the program online at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/ .
Donations to the Greene County Imagination Library can be made online at gcimaginationlibrary.org/ways-to-give/ . Checks can also be mailed to Greene County Imagination Library at P.O. 2922 Greeneville, TN 37744.
Those with questions or wanting to learn more about the Greene County Imagination Library can email Burkey at [email protected] or call 423-329-0466.
