A Whiteside County, IL, child was one of seven children around the world, who found an enchanting bookmark in their “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” book in September 2023.
The early childhood literacy program celebrated 200 million books gifted, since the program began in 1995. In typical Dolly fashion, she wanted to give back.
You recall how Willy Wonka gave out Golden Tickets to random chocolate bar consumers? During International Literacy Month in September, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library randomly gifted seven enchanted Dolly Parton bookmarks. Those seven recipients–including a Whiteside County child–will
a. get to meet Dolly Parton over Zoom
b. receive a signed letter and photograph from Dolly
c. be given tickets to Dollywood Amusement Park (Pigeon Forge, TN)
d. have $2000 donated to their local Imagination Library program, LIFE (Literacy is Fun for Everyone.)
LIFE was started by the United Way of Whiteside County and area educators 19 years ago. It currently helps the Imagination Library deliver books to 1500 local families.