Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire

03/09/2026

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity over the past week following the sad news of Dolly's passing. We are incredibly grateful for each and every donation we have received to Imagination Library in Renfrewshire.

We are honoured to continue Dolly's legacy and carry her dream forward, putting books into the hands of more and more children. 💖🦋📚

30/08/2026

We are SO proud of our colleague and Imagination Library in Renfrewshire lead, Gail Abraham. On Thursday, Gail shared the work of Imagination Library in Renfrewshire at a literacy symposium in Kansas.

Despite a very difficult week following the sad news of Dolly's passing, Gail shared her presentation 'Rhinestones in Renfrewshire' with delegates working with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to improve literacy in Kansas. Gail's presentation showcased the range of creative ways in which early years settings across Renfrewshire use Imagination Library to support learning and fulfil Dolly's mission to get more books into the hands of more children.

Well done Gail... now enjoy the trip of a lifetime to Tennessee and Dollywood! 😊📚🌈🦋

29/08/2026

An important update for parents/carers, programme ambassadors and supporters of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire...

Over the past few days, we've received many emails and messages following the news of Dolly's passing. We're incredibly proud to be the first and only local authority in Scotland to offer a universal programme of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for all children aged 2-5. Despite our sadness, we remain committed to fulfilling Dolly's mission to get more books into the hands of more children. This week, we've received hundreds of new registrations for our programme. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through these.

Jeff Conyers, Vice-Chair and President of the Dollywood Foundation, visited Renfrewshire in 2023 to see how Imagination Library is supporting learning across our early years settings. He met with children at Heriot Primary School and ELCC who shared their enthusiasm for the books they received from 'Aunt Dolly'. As Jeff outlines in this short video, Imagination Library will remain, children will continue to receive monthly books and Dolly's vision will continue to thrive.

In lieu of flowers, the Parton family have asked people across the world to donate to the Imagination Library. Donations can be made online via the Imagination Library website:

https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

You can choose for your donation to come direct to our programme by selecting us as a specific programme partner from a drop-down list. Our programme is 'REN - Renfrewshire'.

Our sincere thanks for the donations we've received over the last few days. Renfrewshire Council and the Dollywood Foundation will continue to work in partnership to provide the gift of reading to children across Renfrewshire - just as Dolly intended. 🦋🌈📚

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

19/08/2026

We love this quote from Dolly Parton. 💖📚

Dolly's love of books and learning has been with her since childhood, and years later inspired her creation of the Imagination Library as we know it today. 😊📚

17/08/2026

We'd like to wish children across Renfrewshire a very happy first day back at school. A special mention for children who are starting primary 1 tomorrow. As Dolly says, 'Dream more, learn more, care more, be more' - great advice as you start your school journey 😊📚

12/08/2026

Is your child starting school next week? Our friends at the Scottish Book Trust have created this fabulous list of books, featuring familiar friends and gentle, reassuring stories to help settle those first day nerves.

You can access many of these at your local OneRen library or via your local book store 😊📚

02/08/2026

A new month means a new book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to look forward to!

Books can arrive at any point throughout the month and may arrive on different dates for different age groups.

When will your child's next gift from Dolly arrive??? 😊📚

26/07/2026

We're now accepting registrations for children aged 2-4 and those turning 2 within the next 2 months. Register now at www.imaginationlibrary.com/uk 😊📚