More Than Music: Dolly Parton Sparks a Love of Reading in Russell County

The kids in Russell County may not know the lyrics to “9 to 5” or “Jolene,” but they sure know who Dolly Parton is.  

“She sends them books, and that’s what makes her famous to them,” says Lindsey Westerfeld, Director of the Russell County Public Library, referring to the Russell County Public Library’s partnership with Dolly’s Imagination Library. This book gifting program has made an epic impact in counties throughout Kentucky and across the United States by mailing free high-quality books to children from birth to age five, regardless of their family’s income.  

The seeds for the Imagination Library in Russell County were planted when Westerfeld, who was already familiar with the program, began receiving questions from the community.  

“People were asking us how they could get their children signed up, and it became came clear that the community wanted more spots than we would have available,” she said.  

Westerfeld was adamant that they would not begin the program until they found a funding mechanism to ensure that EVERY child in Russell County could receive these books. Fortunately, a text she received at 8:30 p.m. one night from John Adams of the John & Cheryl Adams Woodland Farm Foundation helped turn this vision into a reality. With the generous initial gift, the library set out to expand access to the Imagination Library, with a goal of enrolling 80% of the county’s eligible children within the first five years. Within just two weeks, they had already reached 50%. In February, Russell County was honored for having the highest Imagination Library enrollment in Kentucky, at a remarkable 85% to 90%.  

The Imagination Library program stands out for its ability to get books directly into the homes of families. “For a community this size, we pride ourselves on being a literacy-rich place, but that doesn’t always mean books are making it home,” Westerfeld explains. She goes on to say that many families, especially those from underrepresented populations, face barriers to accessing library resources. Some are hesitant to take books home or may not have the means to purchase books on their own. The Imagination Library eliminates these barriers by ensuring every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to high-quality, age-appropriate books every month, which encourages healthy development. Consistent access to books is crucial for fostering early literacy skills, which, in turn, supports healthy cognitive and social-emotional development during the early years. 

Westerfeld repeatedly expresses her gratitude for the opportunity and specifically credits community partnerships for its success. Key initiatives in collaboration with the community include distributing brochures from a Pre-K/Kindergarten Readiness Bus during preschool registration. The Russell Family Medical Center displays Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library brochures in its pediatric offices to encourage participation. Additionally, the local library has partnered with child care centers to ensure that students enrolling are provided with information about the Imagination Library. Their next goal is to enroll 100% of the children at each child care center. 

Among the many people touched by the program is Isabel Rodriguez, a Russell resident who first heard about the Imagination Library online. Instantly, she knew she wanted to sign up for her son, Benjamin. When the library expanded its registration, Isabel and Benjamin got their opportunity. The bilingual books, Isabel notes, have been special favorites as Isabel supports Benjamin in learning Spanish. Month after month, the arrival of a new book, personally addressed to Benjamin, became a cherished family tradition. Isabel believes the program has not only built Benjamin’s pre-literacy skills but also sparked a lifelong love of reading. Though Benjamin has now aged out of the Imagination Library program, Isabel passionately recommends it to every new parent she meets, emphasizing its impact on learning and family connection, especially within Hispanic communities, where the bilingual books can help both children and adults learn Spanish and English.  

“I hope that it continues for many years, so that many families can benefit,” Isabel shares. 

One story shared by the library director highlights a powerful moment. In the library, there’s a stand-up cutout of Dolly Parton. “The kids pass by it and say, ‘I love Dolly! She gives me books!” Westerfeld said.  

While Dolly’s legacy has long been tied to her music, today’s children know her as someone who directly brings the joy of reading into their lives. You, too, can help ignite that joy. Ensure every child under age five in your life is signed up for the Imagination Library. “If everyone will do that,” Westerfeld emphasizes, “that’s the win.” Join the movement to support Kentucky’s readers on their journey from Eric Carle to Emily Brontë by clicking here.