Full Breakdown
Give Like Dolly Day Mobilizes Businesses Nationwide to Support the Imagination Library
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A coordinated “Give Like Dolly Day” was launched to honor Dolly Parton’s philanthropic legacy. On the designated Dolly Day, retailers, restaurants, cinemas, and local shops across the United States pledged portions of sales, special-event proceeds, or entire day-long revenues to the Imagination Library, the nonprofit that delivers free books to children from birth to age five. Participating brands include American Eagle Outfitters, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Regal Cinemas, Chick-Fil-A in Sevierville, Tennessee, Friends in Low Places Bar in Nashville, The Protein Bar, and numerous Mid-Ohio Valley establishments such as Sips Coffee Truck and Visionary Eye Clinic. Donations are directed through the Dollywood Foundation or local Imagination Library partners, with some businesses also collecting physical book donations on site.
Background & Context
The Imagination Library was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 to honor her father, who was illiterate. Beginning in East Tennessee, the program expanded to the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and Canada, becoming the world’s largest early-childhood free-book initiative. By 2026 the organization had distributed more than 330 million books globally, including 40 million books in the prior year alone. The program operates through locally embedded nonprofit partners that fund the wholesale cost of books and manage mailing logistics.
Data & Statistics
- Total books gifted since inception: over 330 million.
- Books distributed in the most recent year: 40 million.
- Dollywood Foundation revenue (latest fiscal period): $98 million, a 9.2 % increase from 2024.
- Book-related expenses: $86 million of that revenue.
- Staff size: approximately 44 employees; employee compensation accounted for about 3.6 % of total expenses in 2025.
- In Allegan County, Michigan, more than 3,500 children are enrolled in the local Imagination Library program.
Official Statements & Responses
The Dollywood Foundation emphasized that the day’s donations will bolster both book-gifting operations and the foundation’s scholarship program, which awarded 22 high-school seniors $78,125 in 2025.
On-the-Ground Reports
Dr. Kayla Campbell, owner of Visionary Eye Clinic, highlighted the personal impact of the program on her own family, explaining that her children have benefited from the mailed books.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cassie came up with the idea to make an Imagination Library station where people can swap out books for kids or for adults, and just kind of help out with the community and help people read,” — Sara Jung, a barista at Sips
- “For me, it’s super awesome because I’ve always loved giving back to people that actually are kind and care for the community,” — Sara Jung, a barista at Sips
- “Dolly’s just such an inspiration to so many people, but she’s just overall a great person,” — Clinic. Dr. Kayla Campbell
- “I think if all of us could be a little more like Dolly, the world would be a way better place.” — Clinic. Dr. Kayla Campbell
- “I think she would be thrilled,” — Clinic. Dr. Kayla Campbell
What’s Next
Organizers intend to make the designated Dolly Day an annual observance, encouraging businesses and individuals to repeat the model of localized giving and book distribution each year. Communities are urged to locate their nearest Imagination Library partner via the program’s website and consider establishing new partners where gaps exist.