Library of Congress and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Announce New Story Time Events During The 100 Millionth Imagination Library Book Dedication To The Library Of Congress Collection
Today Dolly Parton joined Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for the dedication of her Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. Dolly dedicated a special edition of her book, “Coat of Many Colors” to the world’s largest library. This honor is a monumental milestone for the program now in its 22nd year. Dolly said,
“I always like to say that 100 million books have led to 100 million stories. I am so honored that our little program has now grown to such a point that we can partner with the Library of Congress to bring even more stories to children across the country.”
From its infancy in Sevier County, Tennessee, to the largest children’s literacy program in the world, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has inspired millions of children around the globe to love reading. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said,
“Dolly Parton’s work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring. They have counted the number of books given away – 100 million, but there is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world. This is an extraordinary gift to humankind.”
Story Time Events For Young Readers
The two also announced a new Library of Congress story time for young readers. On the last Friday of each month starting in March and running through August a special story time will be held at the Library of Congress. The Library will host story time in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. These events will be live streamed so children and parents can join the fun online. Each story time will feature a reading of a book for readers up to age 5, music and special guests. Hayden commented,
“The Library of Congress shares this passion for developing young readers and I am so pleased to announce these cooperative programs, which will provide an opportunity for children anywhere to connect with a fun, engaging reading experience.”
Monthly Story Time Details
The story times will take place the last Friday of each month for six months in March through August at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE. The events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The programs will also be live streamed on the Library’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel (with captions).
About The Library Of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit to loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.