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Imagination Library Tops 332 Million Free Books Worldwide

8/30/2026

42 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Parton Library Expands

Dolly Parton died at age 80, and her Imagination Library continues expanding.
The program has gifted over 332 million free books worldwide as of Aug. 28, 2026.
One in six U.S. children age 5 and under receives a monthly book.
CenterPoint Energy donated $500,000 to Indiana’s program, which serves 153,866 Hoosier children.
Will County, Illinois added 730 enrollments, raising active children to about 7,720.

Summary

Parton Honored Nationwide

The Empire State Building was lit pink in memory of Dolly Parton.
Nashville’s airport may be renamed Dolly Parton International despite policy constraints.
Tennessee lawmakers are considering designating September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” honoring Parton.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced flags will fly at half-staff nationwide, including the White House.
The Imagination Library had mailed 270 million books to children in five countries at her death.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library through her Dollywood Foundation in Sevier County, Tennessee, to give a free book each month to children from birth to age five. After the first books were mailed in 1998, the program hit 100 million books distributed by February 2018 and now serves children worldwide, supported by local partners.

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Parton Library Expands

Dolly Parton died at age 80, and her Imagination Library continues expanding.
The program has gifted over 332 million free books worldwide as of Aug. 28, 2026.
One in six U.S. children age 5 and under receives a monthly book.
CenterPoint Energy donated $500,000 to Indiana’s program, which serves 153,866 Hoosier children.
Will County, Illinois added 730 enrollments, raising active children to about 7,720.

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