Dolly Parton's reading initiative starting in Middleboro

MIDDLEBORO -- Dolly Parton’s global effort to encourage children’s love of reading is coming to Middleboro.

Peter H. Peirce Homestead is launching Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for children residing in Middleboro. Children from birth to age five will receive free, high-quality books through the program.

Families are invited to stop by the homestead at 132 North Main St. Middleboro, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9 to obtain registration materials.

Originally founded in 1995 in Dolly Parton’s hometown in Tennessee, the Imagination Library has grown into a global literacy movement. Through the program, more than 300 million books have been distributed worldwide, with approximately one in seven children in the United States currently receiving a book each month.

The initiative aims to address early childhood literacy challenges, particularly as many children enter kindergarten with limited reading and language skills. By delivering one carefully selected, age-appropriate book each month directly to a child’s home, the program supports parents and caregivers in fostering a love of reading from an early age.

“Reading is one of the most important gifts we can give our children,” said Paula Fay on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Peter H. Peirce Homestead. “Sharing books encourages bonding, strengthens communication skills, and fuels imagination, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.”

Each book is personalized and published by Penguin Random House, with selections curated by a panel of early childhood literacy experts. The program is designed to make reading both accessible and engaging for families.

As the local program partner, Peter H. Peirce Homestead collaborates with community sponsors to fund the initiative. The cost to support one child is currently $31 per year, which covers books and postage. The Dollywood Foundation contributes by covering administrative and operational expenses.

Local businesses, organizations, childcare providers, and individuals are invited to participate as sponsors. Contributions of any size help ensure that more children in Middleboro can benefit from this program.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact: peterpeircehomestead@aol.com