Imagine a library, virtually around you and sending you books month on month. A unique way to literacy and making children fall in love with books. Dolly Parton’s imagination library was determined to bring reading privilege to kids in her county in Tennessee. Born in the mountains of Sevier County in around smokies, Dolly Parton grew up to be a singer and philanthropist. Her idea was to give chance to the kids to read and educate themselves early in life. She was inspired and determined by her fathers inability to read or write. Back in those times, when books were not available for everyone.
I had the privilege to visit Pigeon forge and severe county from where Dolly Parton began her Imagination library. The library is so we organized and structured that every month surprises are well ahead of the previous book. Age appropriate and current books progress level by level and children and parents eagerly wait for the books. Truly upholding her idea and inspiration for literacy.
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She began her imagination library with a few dozen books in 1996 and started posting them to the children born in severe county. Free books from birth to age 5, ensuring every month the parents receive a bundle of inspiration in the form of books. They read it to the children and pass it further. Starting from the woods of TN and reaching now to Canada, Australia and Great Britain, over 80 million age appropriate books mailed so far. This imagination library has been a wonderful concept. Emulated by many as a brilliant gesture to spread literacy.
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Reading benefits the child in ways unimaginable, and the earlier they are exposed the greater impact it has. Some moms even start reading to their child as early as second trimester. It improves literary skills, helps in language development and makes one aware. Reading early in life helps in numerous ways like:
1- Language Development: It enriches vocabulary early on and helps in better and efficient understanding of linguistics
2- Speech development: Children who are read to, often develop speaking earlier than the rest. They also start communicating in more intellectual ways
3- Reading helps in brain development of a child: Children start with listening and viewing pictures and then they start linking and developing relationships of words and pictures. This helps in their brain development.
4- Reading as a hobby and interest makes you more aware of the surroundings. Children even become so fond of books that it carries forward with their school and education ahead.
5- It makes the child self confident: Children become moor and more aware of stories and current affairs. They start dreaming and visualizing what they see. This makes them communicate well and They become more and more self confident.
Dolly Parton’s imagination library has been a key driver for literacy in children birth through 5 years. Her selfless gesture has made her popular as ‘The book Lady” in her county. Her services for her mountain people are also a great source of family fun. Parents sit together and read the book to their child, it not only helps in literary stimulation but also helps in social development of the child. Brings the family close and adds to the developmental milestones of the child.
There have been various associations with this idea and Imagination library now serves far and wide. I immediately fell in love with Dolly Parton’s Imagination library. Even more awesome are the little notes they send with the monthly free books. How awesome for a parent to see their child being inspired and enriched so beautifully. Taking it forward she has initiated so many other aspects to add value to her library. The recent one being her License plate for the residents of severe county. The proceeds of which add further to the charitable cause. Even people at far flung places can share their details if they wish to be apart of this wonderful literary bandwagon. Dolly Parton’s team will ensure monthly books reach the little one.
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A take home thought for me was, to introduce as many books to my little one as i could. Books will remain the best companion and probably the lasting companion. The above compilation on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: an idea par excellence, is based on my own experience at the Pigeon Forge Imagination library. It inspired me so much and prompted me to make reading a daily habit for my little one. Colorful books and even more lovely Texts, I enjoy reading the beginner and advanced level books as much as my little princess.
Be a change for your child, let her explore the world of fiction, fantasy and imagination. And mould her aspirations and desires in as creative ways possible. Theres no pleasure like a book in her hands.
By Minu Manisha
