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Apart from her music and films, one of the things Dolly Parton was proudest of, and revered for, was her Imagination Library, sending books to any child who wanted them. A new state initiative aims to honor that.
Sept. 25 has been dubbed Dolly Day by Dolly Parton fans as a nod to her film “9 to 5.” In recognition, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced West Virginia’s Dolly Days Read-a-Thon. It’s a statewide reading challenge open to all West Virginia students in grades K-5.
“Fostering a lifelong love of reading is one of the most important gifts we can give our children,” Morrisey said. “Dolly Parton has spent a lifetime inspiring imagination and joy around the world, and there is no better way to honor her legacy here in West Virginia than by encouraging our youngest students to open a book, explore new worlds, and discover the power of learning.”
The challenge begins on Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31.
The Read-a-Thon challenges participants to read 25 books, averaging about two books per week. Students are encouraged to visit their local public libraries to discover new titles and participate in storytime programs.
Registration opens Oct. 1, and students may sign up at any point during the challenge. Participants will use a paper reading log, available to download online or pick up at participating public libraries, to track their progress.
The reading log includes an optional creative section where children can draw a picture depicting their favorite book or Read-a-Thon moment.
Completed logs must be submitted electronically through the program’s website or delivered to a local library for submission to the West Virginia State Library by Jan. 5, 2027.
Winners will be announced Jan. 19, 2027, in celebration of Dolly Parton’s birthday. Every child who completes the 25-book challenge will receive a special completion sticker.
One hundred randomly selected participants will receive a special-edition Dolly Parton suncatcher crafted by Blenko Glass. Five winners will receive a butterfly suncatcher and an exclusive set of butterfly bookends from Blenko, and one grand prize winner will receive the Blenko prizes along with a special literary-themed gift basket.
Artwork submitted with participants’ reading logs will be displayed at the West Virginia State Library in the Culture Center throughout February and March 2027.
For more information, to download a reading log or to register beginning October 1, visit the West Virginia Dolly Days Read-a-Thon website when it becomes available or contact your local public library.