Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Mentone and Beyond

After singer/songwriter Dolly Parton died on August 25, tributes poured in from around the world. The little girl born into poverty in the mountains of East Tennessee had not just lived her dream, she’d inspired others to do the same through her kindness and generosity.

There were few posts and articles that did not mention her signature program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program serves children ages 0-5, sending them a new paperback book through the mail each month until they “graduate” to kindergarten at age 5. Dolly’s Imagination Library has sent out over 300 million books to families. It was, she said, the achievement she was proudest of because it was inspired by her father. Her dad was one of the smartest people she knew, yet he’d not learned to read — something she knew meant he had fewer opportunities than others. Determined to make sure children in her home community had books in their lives, she started a program that quickly grew, spreading throughout the U.S. and then to other countries.

Dolly didn’t do it alone. She and her staff recruited local partners to help with the expenses. The cost? Just over $1 per child per month to send a delightful picture book by mail.

About three years ago, the Friends of Moon Lake Library decided to become a local partner and committed to providing funding for children within the 35984 zip code. The day after we announced that the Friends of the Library was a local partner, we had close to 20 online sign-ups! About that time Governor Kay Ivey announced that the state would provide funding through the school districts to take the program statewide. Friends of Moon Lake Library decided to continue to provide for our children in Mentone, so that every month the little ones receive a book with the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library logo on it and a sticker thanking the Friends for sponsoring the program for our local children.

As of June 2026, we’d grown to 53 children enrolled and were at the top of the Imagination Library of Alabama’s coverage leaderboard, with 106% of anticipated potential enrollees signed up. Anticipated enrollment is based on census numbers, so Mentone has had an extra baby or two since the census! After Dolly’s death in late August, more local families heard about the program, and we registered six more children in our zip code for a total of 59. We’ve heard many positive comments about how much the little ones enjoy receiving their special books in the mail.

Last year, an anonymous donor surprised the Friends with an automated donation that helped pay part of the monthly invoice. If you’re interested in contributing to the Friends to assist with the program, please let us know. This is just one way your donations to Moon Lake Library make a difference in the lives of our community.

Here’s another way to contribute: We recently learned that the Alabama Department of Revenue has approved a special Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library license plate to raise awareness about the program and to provide funding for local partners. We hope you’ll consider supporting this amazing literacy initiative when it comes time to renew your license plate and share a little Dolly spirit on the road!