(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News)
THIS IS DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to make a difference for children across Ector County, helping young readers build a strong foundation before they enter school. Danny Barrera has the story.
Odessa, Texas/August 27, 2026-Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an important literacy program offered through the Ector County Library. Once children from birth to age five are enrolled, they receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to them each month. The program is designed to help young children develop a love of reading and encourage early literacy skills.
(Howard Marks, Library Director-Ector County Library/Odessa, Texas
“Dolly Parton is putting out and her foundation are putting out these free materials zero to five. And she, from what we hear, is even putting out videos, thanking them and congratulating them on completing the program. And so, it’s a real it’s a real boon to West Texas. And, you know, it’s an honor to be part of this program, first of all. And second of all, what an opportunity for kids to get a head start and excel in literacy and reading and, and all these fundamentals that will help them greatly throughout life.”
The plans Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation put in place weren’t a single funding model, but a multi‑layered strategy designed to keep the program alive through partnerships, matching systems, and private philanthropy.
(Celeste Potter, Executive Director-Education Foundation of Odessa)
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will continue there. The Dollywood Foundation has already reached out to all of the local affiliates and let us know the program is still continuing. She had plans in place after her passing, so the program is not going anywhere so long as we continue to have the funding. And right now, our funding looks really good. If we ever get into a position where funding is, we’re not so sure we will be reaching out to. The Ector County community to help us keep this program going.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is funded locally by the Education Foundation and Chevron, while the Ector County Library also received a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to help support the program. the program, giving them a strong foundation in reading and helping prepare them for kindergarten.
(Celeste Potter, Executive Director-Education Foundation of Odessa)
“I actually had a parent reach out to me. Her little boy was the very first child we had signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. He graduated in February and this year enrolled in kindergarten at Austin Elementary. And on his first day of school. Saying what he loves more than anything is to read. And she attributes that to the books that he received through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”
So far, approximately 1,500 children have graduated from the program, giving them a strong foundation in reading and helping prepare them for kindergarten and their educational journey ahead. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera.
(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News)
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