Wellman

Country music star and icon Dolly Parton recently passed away. Although she was best known for her singing and songwriting, she was also known for helping young children develop a love of reading, including thousands across Iowa.

In 1995, Parton started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program designed to encourage young children to read. It allows children from birth to age 5 to receive a free book each month. The program is free for families and is supported by local organizations and donations.

Many libraries in the area participate in the program, including those in Kalona, Washington and other communities.

Wellman does not currently offer the program, but the Friends of the Wellman Public Library would like to change that.

The organization hopes to turn that goal into a reality by bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Wellman.

The Friends’ goal is to raise enough money to pay $2.60 per child each month, allowing children in Wellman to receive a free book every month. That money would help cover the cost of mailing the books. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library would cover the administrative expenses and the cost of each book.

The Dollywood Foundation also assists with the program by selecting the books and overseeing ordering and distribution.

The books would be mailed directly to participating families, with each child’s name printed on the package.

At this time, the Friends of the Wellman Public Library is looking for community partners who can help raise the money needed to begin the program.

The Imagination Library has helped children across the world. The program currently reaches children in five countries: the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Parton started the program more than 30 years ago in honor of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who was unable to read or write. His experience deeply affected her. Before he passed away, he told Parton that the Imagination Library was the most important thing she had ever done.

According to Washington County records, nearly 100 children in Wellman would have an opportunity to participate in the program and develop a love of reading.

Reports indicate that the program has helped approximately 31,000 children across Iowa.

Research has also found that children who receive at least 10 books through the program develop stronger vocabulary skills. The program can benefit the entire family by encouraging positive reading habits throughout the household. Parents can also be confident that the books are appropriate for their child’s age.

To learn more about the program, visit the Wellman Public Library’s website. 

Those interested in becoming donors may send contributions to the Wellman Public Library, 711 4th St., P.O. Box 231, Wellman, Iowa.

Potential donors may also contact Carol Roush, treasurer of the Friends of the Wellman Public Library.