Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Arrives in Northeast Louisiana
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has arrived in Northeast Louisiana, bringing free books each month to children from birth to age five. This beloved program, founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, fosters a love of reading by mailing high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes—at no cost to families.
Through a collaborative partnership with the Bank of Oak Ridge, The Center for Children & Families, LA Blue, The Children’s Coalition, The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Morehouse Parish Library, and other key community stakeholders, the program officially launched across Morehouse Parish in late September, with the first books expected to arrive in children’s homes later this fall. Plans are underway to expand the program into Ouachita Parish, pending the availability of funding.
To celebrate the launch, families and community members are invited to a special kickoff event on Tuesday, October 28, starting at noon at the Morehouse Parish Library in Bastrop, LA. The event will highlight the importance of early literacy and showcase the registration process. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is about more than books -- it’s about building dreams,” said Molly Marker, State Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Louisiana. “Thanks to the leadership of Bank of Oak Ridge and The Center for Children & Families, and with kickstart funding from the Louisiana Blue Foundation, children across Morehouse Parish can begin receiving books right away. By putting books directly into the hands and homes of the littlest learners, we’re helping families spark imagination, nurture a love of reading, and build a foundation for brighter futures!”
How Families Can Register:
Parents and guardians of children under age five who live in Morehouse Parish can sign up for the program online at www.imaginationlibrary.com/check-availablity or in person at the Morehouse Parish Library. Once registered, children will begin receiving free books in the mail within a few months.
Support the Imagination Library in Northeast Louisiana:
The Imagination Library is made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors who believe in the power of books to shape bright futures. Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to sponsor or donate to help ensure every child in Northeast Louisiana has access to books in their earliest years.
“Early literacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to prepare children for success in school and life,” said Chris Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer of The Center for Children & Families. “We are thrilled to partner with the Bank of Oak Ridge and other community stakeholders to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Morehouse Parish and, with community support, look forward to expanding across the region.”
For more information about registration, sponsorship, or donations, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
About The Center for Children & Families
The Center for Children & Families is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe, healthy environments for children and families who have experienced difficulties. Through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention services, The Center offers hope to those who need it the most. The Center served nearly 5,000 children through its service last year.
