09/25/2026
The Well Being Foundation has been a supporter of the Imagination Library for many years. Please consider a donation to support a program that supports literacy in our youth.
Today, on Dolly Parton Day in Ohio and Give Like Dolly Day around the world, we wanted to honor and thank Dolly, her family and The Dollywood Foundation for their ongoing support for children’s literacy across the United States and share the impact of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library locally.
Originally founded in 1995, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library began with a simple goal, to get books in the hands of children. Dolly was inspired by her father who never learned to read or write. Since then, the program has grown and expanded and now includes all 88 Ohio counties and has spread across the world.
As Dolly often said, “If you can read, you can do anything, dream anything and be anything.”
Locally, PCCF and the Pickaway County Library have partnered to bring the program to the community. Since 2020, more than 151,000 books have been mailed to Pickaway County Children. Currently it’s estimated that 84 percent of children under 5 years old are enrolled with 2583 children actively enrolled. That percentage is 14 points higher than the state average.
Research shows that children that have access to books at an early age have greater literacy skills when entering kindergarten than those who do not have access to books. By reading together it also creates stronger bonds with parents and their children.
The local program is funded by the State of Ohio for half of the cost of the books. The remaining half comes from local donors who contribute to each individual program at the county level.
Starting this year and each year on September 25, honoring one of Dolly's biggest hits, "9 to 5" (9-25), the Dollywood Foundation will celebrate Give Like Dolly Day a new tradition honoring the way Dolly lived her life: inspiring children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.
“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” said Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation. “She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help. 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.”
To give the gift of reading to the children in our community, visit yourpccf.org/donate and choose the Imagination Library Fund from the options below.