Wilkes Community Partnership for Children (WCPC) and the Smart Start Network join families and communities across North Carolina and around the world in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, beloved entertainer, philanthropist and founder of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. “Dolly Parton has given Wilkes County something far more than books – she has given our children the gift of being seen, valued, and believed in,” said Michelle Shepherd, Executive Director of WCPC. “Every month, when a child opens the mailbox and finds a book with their name on it, a little seed of possibility is planted. That child begins to understand that their dreams can be big, that their imagination has no limits, and that their community believes in who they can become. Dolly’s generosity has touched thousands of children and families in Wilkes County, but her greatest gift may be the hope she has inspired. Long after those children grow out of books, we hope that they will carry with them the belief that was placed in their hearts from the very beginning: that they are capable of great things.”

Founded in 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was inspired by her father's inability to read and write and her belief that every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to develop a love of reading. What began as a local effort in Tennessee grew into a worldwide movement that has helped millions of children build strong foundations for learning and success.

Through a partnership between Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the Smart Start Network and local community partners like WCPC, all 100 North Carolina counties are actively enrolling children and providing books to children and families each month. Every month, children from birth to age five receive a free, age-appropriate book in their mailbox, helping families build home libraries and create meaningful reading experiences together. The Imagination Library partners with Local Program Partners like WCPC who are responsible for enrolling children who live within the local geographical area (see infographic). While the Imagination Library negotiates wholesale pricing for the books, the Local Program Partners are responsible for securing funds to cover the cost of books and shipping fees. Books are 100% free to enrolled children because of Dolly Parton Imagination Library and program partners like WCPC and Smart Start.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library has made a direct impact in Wilkes County. In the past twelve months, Wilkes Community Partnership for Children and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library served 2,005 children age birth to five years (over half - 54% of this estimated population in Wilkes). These children received 20,446 books in the past year. When participating parents were surveyed about the program, 88% of parents said they increased their reading frequency to their children after enrolling. These gains demonstrate the program's ability to encourage shared reading and strengthen literacy practices at home. Since Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in Wilkes County in 2014, 284,740 books have been mailed to children. Dolly’s passion for literacy reflects WCPC’s mission to help Wilkes County children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

As the nation mourns her passing, WCPC remains deeply grateful for Dolly Parton's vision, generosity and unwavering belief in the power of books. The greatest tribute to her legacy is ensuring that future generations of children continue to discover the joy of reading and the opportunities that literacy can create.

Click here to make an online donation.
Donations made through this website will support Wilkes County children only and support Dolly Parton Imagination Library only. All donations of any amount are appreciated!

WCPC is a nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be made online (credit card, debit card, Venmo, PayPal or Apple Pay accepted), mailed to WCPC at PO Box 788 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, or delivered in-person to the WCPC office at 1915 West Park Drive Suite 107 North Wilkesboro, NC.
Donations can also be made through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website. Please be sure to select “designate the donation to a local partner”.

Questions? Call the WCPC office at (336) 838-0977 or email us for more details.