Dolly Parton Book Program Marks 20 Years in WV
The statewide Imagination Library celebrates two decades of mailing free books to West Virginia children from birth to age 5.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of West Virginia marked 20 years of early literacy outreach, mailing free age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth to age 5 regardless of household income or ZIP code. The program has gifted nearly 5 million books in the state and currently serves between 46,000 and 52,000 children.
Why it matters
West Virginia is one of 20 states providing full coverage across all 55 counties, but state appropriations cover only about 50% of operating expenses. Organizers must raise supplemental community funding each year to keep the program running for enrolled families.
Recent postal rate hikes have pushed annual mailing costs to $31 per child, while state appropriations cover roughly half of operating expenses. The Cafaro Foundation has offered a dollar-for-dollar donation match of up to $3,000 for supporters.
The players
Dollywood Foundation
The nonprofit foundation founded by Dolly Parton that funds the Imagination Library and related literacy initiatives across the United States.
Marshall University's June Harless Center
A research and development center at Marshall University focused on rural education that co-administers the West Virginia program.
The details
The books are mailed monthly and administered through a partnership between the Dollywood Foundation, the West Virginia Department of Education, and Marshall University's June Harless Center for Rural Education Research and Development. Enrolling children or donating to the program can be done through dollybookswv.com.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of West Virginia celebrates 20 years.
November 8, 2026: WTAP hosts a live fundraising telethon at Grand Central Mall in Vienna from noon to 4 p.m.
Philanthropy Context
West Virginia is one of 20 states in the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library network to provide full coverage across all 55 counties. The state's two-decade track record places it among the program's longest-running statewide partners nationally.
Families with children from birth to age 5 can enroll at no cost regardless of income or ZIP code. Community members who want to help can donate directly or attend the November 8 telethon in Vienna.
The takeaway
Early exposure to books is one of the most accessible ways for families to support literacy, and children who receive even 10 books are measurably more likely to be read to regularly. Supporting local fundraising efforts helps sustain that access.
What happens next
WTAP will host a live fundraising telethon at Grand Central Mall in Vienna on November 8, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. to support the program.
Further reading
For more on charitable giving efforts, explore the Philanthropy section.
More information
To enroll a child or donate, visit dollybookswv.com.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtap.
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