Dolly Parton has declares war on illiteracy

Country music legend Dolly Parton has singlehandedly declared war on illiteracy, introducing the UK's Imagination Library.

She organizes community action whereby kids are put on her library list and from the time that child is born to the time he or she is 5 years old, they receive an age-appropriate book once a month - 60 free books per kid! She supplies the books (via the profits from Dollywood and other money making ventures) and the communities organize the logistics of it all.

To date, the film-makers of THE YEAR DOLLY PARTON WAS MY MUM, which is released on DVD May 27th, have offered up the film to 2 fundraisers for the Imagination Library: on in the Yukon and one in the Midwest, USA.

Dolly Parton declares: "This program is one of the most important ways I know to improve the educational opportunities for children in your community. When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world. I hope you'll agree to become a champion of the Imagination Library in your community. You will be amazed at the impact this simple gift can have on the lives of children and their families. We have seen it work in our backyard and I'm certain it can do the same in your community too! I appreciate your interest in my Imagination Library and thank you for all you continue to do for children.

The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mum is released on DVD and VoD May 27th via Peccadillo Pictures/Saffron Hill Films