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Western education instructor Betsy Reilly runs Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of London, a local affiliate of the global movement started by the late singer and philanthropist. Parton’s initiative, which provides a free book each month to children from birth until they turn five years old, has sent more than 300 million books to kids worldwide. In the wake of her death, hundreds of new families registered for the book program in London, Ont. Reilly founded the local chapter after seeing a variety of reading abilities and needs as an elementary-school educator. Now an instructor in Western’s bachelor of education program – with a focus on language arts for teachers of primary and junior grades – she introduces teacher candidates to the importance of early literacy. As the Imagination Library gears up for a day of fundraising on Sept. 25 – 9/25, in honour of Parton’s iconic song by the same name – Reilly explains the impact of the free-book program and reflects on Parton’s legacy.

What is the Imagination Library of London? How does it work?

Betsy Reilly (BR): Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of London is one of over 400 affiliates of The Dollywood Foundation of Canada. We are a community book-gifting program, devoted to supporting early literacy, stimulating language comprehension and increasing parental engagement and bonding. Children in the program, from newborns up to five years old, receive a high quality, age-appropriate book in the mail every month – free of charge. Among the 60 books children can receive over their five years in the program, 80 per cent are Canadian publications reflecting our culture and values. There are dual language Indigenous books for each year, with English alongside a traditional Indigenous language. The Imagination Library of London is embedded within the London Community Foundation, which covers local financial administration so that every cent donated goes to the local cost of books and mailing. The Dollywood Foundation of Canada covers all administration, our database registration system and negotiates an extremely low book cost with Penguin Canada. Our local volunteer team is responsible for registering families and fundraising for costs of books, $3.85 each plus postage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tscb01jfukc

What inspired you to bring the Imagination Library to London?

BR: After years of teaching in the primary grades for the Thames Valley District School Board, I could always tell which children were read to at home based on their oral language, early literacy skills and love of reading. After the pandemic, I observed how young children were struggling and wanted to find a way to help us all recover. As a lecturer in Western’s Teacher Education program, in Primary Junior Language Arts, I tell teacher candidates if there is one thing families can do at home to support their child’s literacy development, it is read to them daily.

What stands out most to you about Dolly Parton’s life and legacy?

BR: Dolly’s father, much like mine, was illiterate. She saw how that limited his opportunities in life. She wanted to find a way to support children’s education in her own community of Pidgeon Forge, Tenn. I was impressed by her willingness to listen to experts who advised that she start with the youngest children, aged 0 to 5, as that’s when the greatest brain development occurs. Her belief in the power of literacy and education was evident in so many of her philanthropic projects.

What does her commitment to children’s literacy mean to you as an educator?

BR: Her commitment expanded throughout the United States. Canada was her first international commitment 20 years ago, followed by the U.K., Ireland and Australia. While it was no surprise, it meant a great deal to see research published that affirmed the impact of the program. It documented how parent and caregiver behaviours changed when books were in the home. They were more likely to read four or more times a week and talk with their children about images and words. Kids in the program developed a larger vocabulary and were more eager to read. The Imagination Library works – and it is cost effective!

How many children locally are receiving books? How many have been shared in total?

BR: We currently have 1,700 children in the program, with 266 who graduated from the program on their fifth birthday. In the three years since we began, we have mailed more than 27,000 books to London children.

Will there be any changes to the program after her death?

BR: Soon after Dolly’s death, we received a very moving message from the international head of Imagination Library that “Dolly had planned for this moment” – she made sure the program would continue for generations of children. We also saw a response locally. Within 36 hours after Dolly’s death, we received over 200 new registrations due to increased awareness of the program. We have had to temporarily pause registrations while we continue to fundraise.

What do you hear from families about the importance of the program?

BR: When a book arrives in the mail every month, one dad reported his little boy won’t leave the front steps of the porch until they read the whole book at least once. Another parent wrote to me about the day the “graduation book”, Welcome to Kindergarten, arrived on her daughter’s fifth birthday month. She cried and refused to open the book “because it means I won’t be getting any more books now that I’m 5.”

How can people get involved?

BR: We encourage members of the London and Western community, businesses, book clubs and student groups to donate and consider fundraising with us. Our current fundraiser is for 9-2-5 Give Like Dolly Day on Sept. 25, encouraging folks to donate $9.25 or $92.50 (which would cover two children for a year). Get creative! One business is encouraging everyone to dress like Dolly (rhinestones, wigs and bling) and donate for the “privilege.” We are also happy to present to any interested groups who want to learn more about the Imagination Library. You can find more information or donate on our website. Learn more about how Western is preparing future leaders and global citizens.