White Pine County to Continue Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The Nevada Northern Railway (NNRY) announced shortly after the passing of beloved Dolly Parton that White Pine County will uphold the Imagination Library tradition.

The Imagination Library was inspired by Parton’s father, who wanted every child in Sevier County, Tennessee, to have access to books of their own. The hope was to encourage children to read and create an imagination they would hold for the rest of their lives.

In White Pine County, NNRY, the White Pine Public Library and KGHM Robinson Mine sponsor Parton’s Imagination Library Program. Joining in 2020, they hoped to help give the children in the county “the best possible start in life.”

The NNRY shared a “what could have been” story regarding Dolly and NNRY Locomotive 93. The 90th-year celebration of the book “The Little Engine That Could” was in 2020. Work began with the publishers on a special celebration, and the idea of inviting Dolly originated. To “great surprise and delight,” Dolly accepted the invitation. Unfortunately, COVID intervened, and the visit was canceled. The NNRY stated it will always “wonder what it would have been like to welcome Dolly aboard Locomotive 93 here in Ely.”

The organization has prepared carefully for this day, and the mission remains clear. The commitment to these children remains strong. NNRY stated, “Dolly did not build the Imagination Library to last for her lifetime. She built it to last for theirs.”

To enroll your child in the program, visit the White Pine County Library. “Dolly’s legacy will live on through the songs she wrote, the characters she created and the joy she brought to millions…I believe one of the most important parts of her legacy will live quietly in homes around the world.”

As the Imagination Library Program continues, local community members are asking the White Pine County Commission and Ely City Council to declare Sept. 25 “Dolly Parton Day.” It was stated, “This isn’t just about a proclamation. It’s about recognizing a program that puts books into the hands of children and helps families build a lifelong love of reading.”