Charleston, W.Va. (August 28, 2026) – Dawn Miller, Executive Director of Read Aloud West Virginia, announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to remember the late Dolly Parton and the Imagination Library she created to promote literacy.
For the month of September, in memory of Dolly Parton, Read Aloud West Virginia will share any donations dollar for dollar with Parton’s award-winning Imagination Library partners in West Virginia, if donors note “in memory of Dolly” when donating to Read Aloud WV online, by mail, in person or via stocks.
“Dolly was so special,” said Miller. “When she created Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 31 years ago and made it available in other states, including West Virginia, we began to realize she had been lifting us up in ways other than her wonderful music.”
Miller indicated that Imagination Library provides books from birth to age five and Read Aloud West Virginia’s primary mission is to offer books and resources for school-aged children.
“This allows Dolly’s passion to intersect with our core mission and enhance reading, literacy, educational attainment and quality of life for more West Virginians.”
Miller said Read Aloud only has resources to have formal programs in 28 West Virginia counties, but enjoys some level of presence in 40 counties, and responds to teacher requests for books for school-aged children from all 55 counties of the Mountain State.
