CLAY COUNTY - Dolly Parton once said that inspiring kids to read was her one true mission.

That's why the singer birthed the Imagination Library, a tool that has continued to do just that.

Founded in 1995, the nonprofit organization has continued to provide children under the age of five with free high quality, age-appropriate books by mail every month. Inspired by her father who was unable to read, Parton kicked off the nonprofit in Tennessee.

The Imagination Library has become a way of life for millions of young children worldwide.

And while Parton's passing has taken a toll, it has especially hit close to home for those whom she helped. Local 10-year-old Rosie Williams knows this firsthand.

 Rosie and her mother, Liz Williams, began receiving books from the Imagination Library when she was just three months old. At birth, Rosie was diagnosed with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), a rare congenital disorder that caused her to be blind. The nonprofit gave her access to Braille books, which are normally expensive and difficult to obtain.

Today, Rosie has college-level reading and writing skills, and an insatiable thirst for reading.

“To me, it means many worlds to explore. New characters to meet. More adventures to discover. Discovery. Adventure. Wonder,” Rosie said.

Parton’s Imagination Library has impacted children in ways that go beyond reading comprehension. Today, the program spans five countries and more than 3 million books have been mailed worldwide. Registration is available for children under the age of 5.

 Clay County Early Literacy is affiliated with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. There are more than 980 children currently registered.

Receiving many awards from organizations like 100+ Women Who Care About Clay County and Special Judges’ Award from the Reinhold Foundation, the program has grown immensely in Clay.

About 40% of fourth graders have reading levels that fall below proficient standards, according to the Nation's Report Card. With donations from local organizations and holding fundraisers, Clay County Early Literacy continues to take steps to combat this.

Offering this service in Clay County is important for young children to ensure they build a strong foundation of reading, problem-solving and literacy skills. And this is done by providing free, high-quality books to those who fit the age requirements. 

Parton's legacy will never be forgotten, especially to those whom she helped. In 2022, Rosie appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show where she met Parton for the first time.

“Her really nice, soft voice. She had a very nice voice,” Rosie said when asked to recall her favorite thing about Parton. 

Imagination Library has impacted children in ways that go beyond reading comprehension. And her legacy has led children, like Rosie, to dream big and inspire.

To donate to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, visit imaginationlibrary.com. To register for Clay County Early Literacy, visit clayearlyliteracy.com.