Columbiana County Imagination Library

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. Her legacy will continue on through her program, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, positively impacting thousands of children and families in Ohio, and so many other communities across the world.

In the coming days, we will be sharing messages from our Local Program Partners about what her program means to them and in their community ✨

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

💔 A true light has gone out in the world today. 💔

Dolly Parton lived a life that touched generations through her music, her kindness, her generosity, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Just this morning, Team Sunshine & the Sunshine Bus were visiting B.L. Miller Elementary School in Sebring. As a second grader sat on the waiting bench, she spotted Miss Dolly’s photo in our Imagination Library Book Nook and said, “I love Dolly! I got her books!” ❤️

A little second grader, generations removed from when Dolly first became a household name, knew her face and knew her name. What a beautiful testament to a life and legacy that reached far beyond music.

Dolly dreamed of putting books into the hands of children because her own father could not read or write. What began in her hometown grew into something extraordinary...millions of children around the world growing up with books of their very own.

We will honor Miss Dolly the best way we know how...by continuing her dream of getting as many books as possible into the hands of as many children as possible through the Columbiana County Imagination Library. 🌞❤️

The children receiving those books today will be reading to children of their own someday.

That is how a life touches generations.

That is a legacy. ❤️📚

Thank you, Miss Dolly. We’ll continue your good work. 🦋

The Brightside Project

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

07/10/2026

📣👏For years, we've been saying something that is finally getting the recognition it deserves...

A book is never just a book.

Every month, when a child receives a Dolly Parton's Imagination Library book, they're receiving far more than pages and pictures.

🙌It's encouraging to see the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health recognizing that same connection.

As Director Tia Marcel Moretti shared:

"Reading together creates opportunities for connection, emotional growth, and resilience."

She goes on to explain that literacy also strengthens families, reduces stress, encourages healthy coping skills, and builds stronger communities.

‼️We couldn't agree more.‼️

When we talk about children's mental health, we can't wait until there's a crisis... prevention begins long before a child ever walks into a counselor's office. It begins in everyday moments, in safe relationships, nurturing conversations, shared experiences, and yes...even bedtime stories.

That's why we'll continue working to ensure EVERY child birth-5 years old in Columbiana County has the opportunity to build a home library and experience the incredible gift of reading together.

📖 Read more from OhioMHAS:
https://dbh.ohio.gov/about-us/media-center/news/pr06.02.2026-2

The Brightside Project
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Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to Launch “Reading for Resiliency” Initiative

07/03/2026

Thank you Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce for your generosity towards Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

The Brightside Project
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04/21/2026

04/21/2026

📚🔍New Book Guides for Families🔍📚

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio has partnered with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to create specific Book Guides for titles included in the Imagination Library, designed by the department's literacy expert. These easy-to-use guides complement the suggestions provided on the inside cover of each book. New guides will be added each month, and correspond to the titles being mailed.

Each Book Guide provides caregivers with tips, tricks, and ideas on how to expand the story and make it come to life for their child while building comprehension, vocabulary, and key literacy skills.

Check them out here: https://www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org/bookguides

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
The Brightside Project

🌞💙🧡

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio Book Guides Making the Most of Every StoryIn addition to the parent tips found on the inside covers of your child’s Imagination Library book, literacy experts at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth have created fun and easy-to-use reading guides t...

04/20/2026

📚🍔 Burgers for Books = A Win for Our Kids! 🍔📚

We’re so excited to support that the McDonald's in Wellsville is supporting the Imagination Library of Columbiana County with a fun (and delicious!) fundraising event!

Stop by McDonald’s in Wellsville on Thursday, April 23 from 5PM–8PM and make your meal count! 20% of your purchase will go toward providing FREE books to local children!

Every burger, fry, and happy meal helps put books into the hands of kids right here in our community ❤️

📍 McDonald’s Wellsville
100 Lisbon St.
🗓 Thursday, April 23
⏰ 5PM–8PM

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come hungry! Together we can make a big impact, one book at a time!

🌞💙🧡

The Brightside Project
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library