Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation Makes $4.5 Million Investment in Nashville Public Library Early Literacy Program

Dolly Parton has long been an advocate and supporter of early childhood literacy. Now Parton’s Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has made a $4.5 million investment to help launch the Nashville Public Library’s new early literacy program, called Begin Bright.

According to the Nashville Public Library Foundation, the $4.5 million investment marks “the most significant gift” in the foundation’s 27-year history. Begin Bright will help ensure that every Nashville child starts kindergarten reading early, by delivering a Little Library filled with Parton’s Imagination Library books and a slate of Nashville Public Library resources to every childcare center in the county. A new app will also offer on-demand digital early literacy training for parents and teachers, while Vanderbilt University’s Prenatal to 3 Policy Impact Center will study the results, creating an actionable, measurable and replicable model.

“I really believe this partnership can make a huge impact on inspiring a love of reading for children and families.  And one of the best parts is that Nashville can once again light the way for the nation,” Parton said in a statement.

The Foundation initially aims to raise $20 million for Begin Bright’s implementation and to build an endowment that sustains the program. The Library will roll out the program in the spring of 2025.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in Tennessee and celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. Imagination Library programs exist in all 50 states and 5 countries around the world, mailing over 3 million books in the hands of children each month. The program aims to provide high-quality, age-appropriate books free of charge to children from birth to age five.

“We are humbled by Ms. Parton’s incredible act of generosity,” said Foundation president, Shawn Bakker. “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. Dolly Parton is a transformational figure in worlds of philanthropy and literacy, and we are thrilled to partner with her and excited about the impact this promises to have on our city.”

Nashville Public Library Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that raises private support for Nashville Public Library (NPL).

Interim Library Director Terri Luke said, “We are honored to join Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in this first-in-the-nation partnership. Nashville Public Library is committed to setting our city’s young children on a pathway to reading success. With Dolly Parton’s passion for bringing books to children and her legacy of bringing communities together through her Imagination Library, this partnership now sets us on an inspired, heart-filled journey together – a legend, a library, and the community it serves.”