Dolly Partons Imagination Library expands in Oregon [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – Country legend Dolly Parton is working to make books available to children up to age 5 in every Oregon county.

The national program is called Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since launching in 1995, the program has been working to give kids up to age 5 a free monthly, age-appropriate book.

The Imagination Library in Oregon aims to increase childhood literacy rates, foster a love of books, and promote a culture of reading among all families in the state.

So far, the national program has given more than 220-million books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.

Currently, more than 54,000 children across Oregon receive the gift of a monthly book through 55 community programs. Books are free to the family regardless of income.

Now, the Department of Early Learning and Care is working with the Dollywood Foundation to expand.