Palm Beach County’s Imagination Library Supports Young Readers
By Dean Glorioso
For more than 30 years, iconic American singer, songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton has been making the world a better place, one child and one book at a time.
Launching the Imagination Library in 1995, Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation have been delivering books to children from birth to age five. Receiving one book per month, each child is treated to 60 stories that spark creativity and curiosity with adventurous tales, exciting characters and a few good lessons for their young lives.
Initially benefiting children in Parton’s home county in East Tennessee, the Imagination Library is now found across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, serving children and communities through the gift of reading.
Since 2020, the Palm Beach County community has had a local Imagination Library program partner, thanks to the vision of Christen Thompson.
“I’m always excited for people to learn about the Imagination Library, a wonderful program that truly starts a lifelong love of reading for kids and families,” Christen said. “All they have to do is register, and the books arrive in the mail addressed to the children, which they find so exciting.”
The daughter of a reading teacher, Christen, along with her husband Nicholas, who serves as chair, formed a nonprofit to partner with the Imagination Library and the Dollywood Foundation, which provides resources and guidance for parents.
“We can’t do it alone. An important goal is to make the Imagination Library better known throughout the community, expand its reach, and connect with business and community leaders,” Christen said.
Sponsorships, partnerships and fundraising efforts are helping to support the program, especially through its annual signature event, the Run for Reading 5K at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, which returns this year on Saturday, Nov. 7. A fun family event that serves a great purpose, the 5K welcomes individuals, teams and sponsors, with all proceeds going to the Palm Beach County Imagination Library.
The event raises crucial money for the local nonprofit and helps grow its membership.
“Our cost is $2.60 for each book we send — a small price to pay for the love of reading,” Christen said. “And, since we started, we’re thrilled to have distributed more than 35,000 books to more than 2,000 local families.”
Those 35,000 books may be doing more good than most people imagine. The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County reports that 22 percent of community adults lack basic literacy skills. Furthermore, data from Palm Beach County schools indicates that 46 percent of students from grades three to 10 are performing below grade level.
A research study conducted by the Imagination Library shows that children enrolled in the program, when compared to those not enrolled, are four times more likely to demonstrate stronger literary skills, nine times more likely to listen to storytelling at home and 15 times more likely to participate in reading activities.
There is an expression in K-12 education that up until third grade, kids learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn. The Imagination Library’s efforts in this vital area of childhood development are helping to ensure learning and literacy.
“Putting books in kids’ hands not only instills a love for reading but also strengthens literacy, which can lead to greater success in school and even higher graduation rates,” Christen said. “Ultimately, it’s a path to post-secondary education and careers that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the community.”
That path is paved with the Imagination Library’s generosity, initially supplying books for all newborns at the hospital where Dolly Parton was born. Today, families still receive that same first book, The Little Engine That Could, a tradition that Christen admires.
“What Dolly Parton has created is incredible,” she said. “It’s a special, lasting impact on children and families with each book. The last one comes with a certificate of completion and a video message from Dolly herself.”
Christen’s goal is to expand the Imagination Library and reach more families, encouraging them to join a program that provides books now and brings benefits for life.
“We are a county of diverse communities,” she said. “The Imagination Library may be a catalyst for enhancing the lives of kids and adults and an entire culture.”
Christen and Nicholas Thompson continually seek sponsorships and partnerships to help sustain the Imagination Library. Avid readers and parents of two boys, they both attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, inspired to serve in a meaningful way that gives back and pays forward for the future.
Driven by a passion for education, they are investing in the next generation, empowering young people through the wonder and joy of storytelling.
“To create a dream, you have to start somewhere, and this one begins by reading with imagination,” Christen said.
Local families are invited to sign up for the Imagination Library. Only certain areas can use the online form. All others should download, print and send in the registration form or send an e-mail.
To learn more about the Palm Beach County Imagination Library, e-mail info@palmbeachcountyimaginationlibrary.com, call (561) 975-5526 or visit www.palmbeachcountyimaginationlibrary.com.
