Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gifts books to kids on Long Island
Nearly 50 children living within the Wyandanch School District get a monthly book in the mail thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
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Country superstar Dolly Parton started the Imagination Library in 1995, which was inspired by her father’s inability to read.
The Imagination Library gifts kids books.
From birth to age 5, registered kids get a free book each month.
The initiative started small: It began in Parton’s home county in East Tennessee.
Fast forward 30 years and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends millions of free books to kids around the world, including children in Wyandanch.
Sandra Martinez is a Wyandanch parent whose 3-year-old daughter Valentina looks forward to getting her book each month in the mail.
Martinez said the books have helped her to learn her ABCs.
“She’s excited,” Martinez said.
She said her daughter even prefers the books over her tablet.
Dr. Christine Jordan, assistant superintendent for administrative and instructional accountability at the Wyandanch School District, was instrumental in getting Wyandanch children enrolled in the program.
“I really think if you can teach people to read and enjoy learning, you can change the world," said Jordan.
Jordan believes that above the songs and the movies, it's the reading and the books that will be the beloved singer's legacy.
Parton died Tuesday. She was 80 years old.
