Sept. 25 is a day to enroll a child, donate, and spread the word about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is already reaching more than 3,800 local children.
If your kids race to the mailbox once a month, you may already know what this is about. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched in Monterey County this past June, and just three months later, more than 15% of the county’s children under 5 are enrolled. The program’s goal is to reach 20% countywide in its first year.
This Friday, September 25 (9-2-5, a nod to Dolly’s hit “9 to 5”), The Dollywood Foundation is marking the first-ever Give Like Dolly Day, a global day of support for local Imagination Library programs. California has also designated September 25 as annual Dolly Parton Day through Senate Bill 931, authored by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield).
What is the Imagination Library?
Every child enrolled in the program receives a free, brand-new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month from birth until their fifth birthday. There is no cost to families, regardless of income.
Locally, families can choose books in English or bilingual English and Spanish. “We are incredibly proud that we can offer culturally appropriate books in English or bilingually in English and Spanish to EVERY child in our county,” said Francine Rodd, Executive Director of First 5 Monterey County. “And we would love for everyone to spread the word to help us reach 100 percent of the children and to donate, if they can, to keep the program going.”
The local program is a collaboration between First 5 Monterey County, Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative, and Bright Futures Education Partnership, with seed funding from Taylor Farms. That funding covers the wholesale cost of the books, mailing, outreach, and local program operations.
A Monterey County dad’s view
Tony Amezcua, Director of Bright Futures Education Partnership, is also a parent of enrolled children. “Every month, my kids run to the mailbox waiting for their book. It is a family affair,” he said. “We read with our children and my 9-year-old son loves reading the books to his two sisters. It’s become part of our routine, and I know families across Monterey County are having that same experience right now.”
Sonja Kohler, Director of Bright Beginnings, emphasized the long-term payoff: “Literacy begins before a child enters a classroom. This partnership makes a difference with long-term impact in the lives of children and their families… It is also building stronger partnerships in our community to create a stronger community of care.”
How to Give Like Dolly on September 25
Enroll. If you have a child under 5 who isn’t signed up yet, enroll them today. You can also help a neighbor, relative, or a family you work with sign up. Visit first5monterey.org/imaginationlibrary.
Give. Donations to the local program help more Monterey County children receive books. A dedicated fund is set up at the Community Foundation of Monterey County: give.cfmco.org/campaign/812237/donate.
Share. Tell others how you give and encourage them to support children in their own communities, using #GiveLikeDolly.
“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” said Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation. “Give Like Dolly Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to not only support their local Imagination Library Partners but also other local nonprofits helping children.”
About the Imagination Library
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. It has since become the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, with more than 300 million free books gifted across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Ireland. Today it mails over 3 million books a month, and research has consistently linked it to positive effects on early childhood development, kindergarten readiness, and family reading habits.
About First 5 Monterey County
First 5 Monterey County is an independent public agency created in 1999 after voters passed Proposition 10, which dedicated tobacco tax revenue to early childhood development. It serves children from before birth through age 5 and administers the Imagination Library locally, handling enrollment, fundraising, book delivery, and support for participating families.
Media contact: Rebeca Zuniga, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, First 5 Monterey County, Rebeca@first5monterey.org, 831-264-3328 (call/text)
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