By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Generations remember Dolly Parton for her singing, sparkling rhinestones and her ability to be sweet and sassy at the same time. But kids across America know her as the smiling lady who sends them a new book each month.
In Wood County alone, 4,355 children will again get another new book in the mail in September, “thanks to Dolly,” said Michael Penrod, director of the Wood County District Public Library.
When Penrod learned that Parton had died on Wednesday, he couldn’t quite fathom the loss. The long-time champion of childhood literacy was gone, but her mission will keep going.
“I was deeply saddened. But now we have an angel,” Penrod said. “Her legacy will live on.”
After reaching worldwide fame for her country music and acting, Parton shared her wealth to help those less fortunate. Specifically, she created Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Growing up in the hills of Tennessee in a small cabin with 11 siblings, life was hard but happy, Parton often recalled. But she believed her father’s illiteracy held him back from reaching his potential.
That belief led Parton to create the Imagination Library where she grew up in Sevier County, Tennessee, in 1995. Since its inception, her philanthropic organization has given more than 200 million books to young children.
As a librarian, Penrod admired Parton’s dedication to putting good children’s literature in the hands of children from birth through age 5 – regardless of income level.
“Research shows that if you put a book in a child’s hand, you can change a child’s life,” Penrod said.
But his association with Parton began much earlier when Penrod was growing up. His parents – and Penrod by default – listened only to the music of Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.
“I thought Dolly Parton could do no wrong,” he said. “I’ve been a fan since the 70s. I’ve probably watched ‘9 to 5’ at least 42 times.”
For those who mistook Parton as a “dumb blonde,” she outsmarted them in her songs, movie roles, talk show interviews, and philanthropy. Her hair and her chest were big – but so were her brains and her heart.
Aware of Dolly’s Imagination Library, Penrod dreamed of the program spreading to Wood County.
The books are selected by a committee of children’s literature experts. Penrod said that Children’s Librarian Maria Simon reviewed the books offered, and praised the selection. They include new books as well as classics such as “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
But the program relies on having a local affiliate to pick up the local costs of the program. To serve all the eligible children in Wood County would cost $172,000. And that was a barrier.
Ohio’s first lady Frances DeWine learned about the program through her grandchildren and wondered how it could be offered statewide. An initiative through the governor’s office created a foundation to match 50% of the cost.
In 2020, eight library directors in Wood County took it from there, first partnering with United Way, then later with the Woodlink Library Board.
The program continues to grow, with 4,355 children enrolled now, which is close to 65% of all children between birth and age 5 in Wood County. Of those books being mailed to homes, 107 are in Spanish language.
“We’re deeply honored to be part of this program,” Penrod said. “Enrollment has been going up.”
And the library has seen the impact of putting books into little hands early in life. Those children getting the books are more likely to come to the library and look for more.
“We’re seeing the children benefit,” Penrod said. And the library’s administration of the program takes minutes a day, he said.
“Dolly has created a program and system that are so efficient.”
For example, families can now automatically enroll their children after they are born in the hospital. “We’re getting many more children earlier,” and that means they can get the full benefit of all 60 books, Penrod said.
Parton planned ahead for the Imagination Library to continue after she was gone.
And Woodlink will be working to reach new families, consistently raise funds to sustain ongoing book expenses (currently about $58,000 per year for all of Wood County’s children), and build a strong sense of community support for the rapidly expanding program.
Parton’s impact will continue to loom in the library. As for the lifesize Dolly Parton cardboard cutouts at the library, they will still make appearances at board meetings and library events, Penrod said. And in honor of Dolly, on Sept. 5 (9/5), Penrod will likely be watching his 43rd viewing of “9 to 5.”
