Kenton County Public Library will host Dolly Parton Day on Friday, Sept. 25, after half of all eligible county children reached a milestone in the free book program Parton created.
Fifty percent of eligible Kenton County children receive a monthly book through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, according to the library's website. The systemwide celebration will feature Dolly-inspired crafts, music and activities at all four branches. Patrons and staff are encouraged to wear pink, rhinestones and Dolly-inspired attire.
"Dolly once said her daddy told her the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing she would ever do, and I think that says it all," said Dr. Denise Fritsch, executive director of Kenton County Public Library.
The Imagination Library mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to registered children. More than three million children worldwide are enrolled.
In Kenton County, more than 4,000 children have participated since the program launched, according to a separate KCPL post. When the library joined, Kenton County became the final county needed to make the program available across all 120 Kentucky counties.
Statewide, 51% of eligible children are enrolled, with more than 132,000 receiving books, according to the Imagination Library's Kentucky page. The program operates on a 50/50 funding match between local communities and the state. A state Senate budget proposal this spring sought to cut the state's share to 33%, but lawmakers restored the even split in late March after public pushback, Newsweek reported.
What's happening at each branch
Covington Branch: "Nine t(w)o Five: Dolly Parton Day" runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a photo opportunity, crafts and an activity station.
Erlanger Branch: A screening of the movie "9 to 5" and a PlayArt Storytime from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring books, dancing, art and play for children.
Independence Branch: A butterfly bookmark craft available all day, with Parton's music playing and information on how to enroll in the Imagination Library.
Latonia Branch: Dolly's music and snacks all day. Stencil screen printing of custom T-shirts runs 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. while paint supplies last. Participants should bring their own shirt.
The library's outreach team will also bring a Dolly Parton-themed display to homebound patrons receiving library services at home.
Families can learn about eligibility and enroll at kentonlibrary.org/imaginationlibrary. Donations to support the program in Kenton County can be made at kentonlibrary.org/donate. Event details are subject to change; the library advises checking its website for updates.
