ELLSWORTH – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is turning over a new chapter in The Imagination Library legacy - celebrating 200 million books gifted globally since its inception in 1995. The early childhood book-gifting program mails a high-quality, free book each month to children from birth to age five.

Pierce Pepin Imagination Library is excited to celebrate with every child/family enrolled locally. The Pierce Pepin Imagination Library was launched on Aug. 7, 2021, and is open to children under the age of five who reside in either Pierce or Pepin counties. The program has already graduated more than 200 children and currently has 841 enrolled.

To celebrate this global 200 million book milestone, seven enchanting Dolly bookmarks will be randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month (September) to children/families currently enrolled in the program. (Children must be enrolled by July 31, 2023, to receive Imagination Library books in September).

Seven random children/families in five countries who find the Dolly bookmarks in their Imagination Library books will receive, if they choose, a video chat with Dolly, a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. The Dollywood Foundation will also donate $2,000 on behalf of the child to their Local Imagination Library Partner in their community as a thank you to whom Dolly calls the true heroes of her program. 

In addition, the Pierce Pepin Imagination Library will hold a prize drawing for children who complete Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors coloring sheet. The child does not have to be enrolled in the Imagination Library, but he/she must be ten years of age or younger. Entries can be dropped off at the PPCS office at W7725 US Highway 10, or mailed to PO Box 420, Ellsworth, WI 54011 no later than July 31, 2023. The child’s name, age, address, and parent contact information must be written on the back of the sheet. Each child is allowed one entry. Once all entries are submitted, four winners will be drawn and awarded a $25 gift card. The coloring sheet can be picked up at the PPCS office or found on our website at www.piercepepin.coop/pierce-pepin-imagination-library.   

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started the Imagination Library in 1995 to serve the children of her hometown in Sevier County, Tenn. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over 2.4 million free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children around the world.  There is never a charge to families who participate in the program, and it is open to all children under the age of five in geographic areas with operating programs.

“I know there are children in communities around the world with big dreams and the seeds of these dreams are often found in books,” said Dolly. “It’s been one of my greatest gifts in life to help instill a love of reading through my Imagination Library. Reaching 200 million books worldwide is a major milestone that I’m so very proud of, and I want to thank our local program partners, funders, and supporters from the bottom of my heart. But we’re just getting warmed up, we have so much more to do! Together, we can inspire even more children to dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.”

Brooke Cupp, the mother of a local toddler enrolled in the Pierce Pepin Imagination Library, explained what the program means to her family.

“I am so thankful to Pierce Pepin and Imagination Library for providing good quality, age-appropriate books at our door each month,” Cupp said. “My family’s favorite part of the night is snuggling in with a book right before bed. I know that by instilling a love for books now, it is going to help my daughter develop a life-long love for reading.”

Participating in 200 Million Reasons to Celebrate is voluntary and does not affect enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. All children under five years of age who are actively enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by July 31, 2023, can participate. To learn more, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/200-million-books.

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services