Dolly Parton partners with the Nashville library
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Dolly Parton is partnering with the Nashville Public Library to support a new early literacy program that aims to make sure kids are ready to read by the time they reach kindergarten.
Why it matters: Developing reading skills by kindergarten is a critical benchmark that can set children up for success for the rest of their time in school.
Between the lines: Parton has been a literacy champion for decades. Her Imagination Library program sends registered children around the world a new book every month from birth until they turn 5.
Driving the news: Parton's Dollywood Foundation, which includes the Imagination Library, is giving the Nashville Public Library Foundation $4.5 million to support the library's early literacy program.
How it works: The program, known as Begin Bright, will send a "little library" stocked with Imagination Library books and other resources to every child care center in the city.
- That will be paired with a new app that will help teachers and parents with early literacy training.
- Vanderbilt University will study the program's impact.
What they're saying: "Not only has The Dollywood Foundation given all the books necessary to fulfill a key pillar of the program, but the historic financial contribution will enable the Library to accelerate launch of this program within the fiscal year," library foundation president Shawn Bakker said in a statement.
The bottom line: "I really believe this partnership can make a huge impact on inspiring a love of reading for children and families," Parton said in a statement.
- "And one of the best parts is that Nashville can once again light the way for the nation."
What's next: The foundation is looking to raise $20 million for Begin Bright's implementation and an endowment for the program.