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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: Connect & Events

This WSULS LibGuide provides an overview for Wayne State University's local affiliate for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Detroit, Michigan.

Keeping Up with Team Dolly

Connect on social media to stay in the loop for all Team Dolly news and upcoming events!

Virtual Events

Wayne State's affiliate chapter of the Imagination Library celebrated its summer 2020 launch with a virtual weekend read-a-thon on YouTube. Check back often and follow our social media accounts for information about future events!

 

Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on Wayne State Giving Day on April 13


Today is Wayne State Giving Day! Today, we come together to shape Wayne State’s future. All gifts, large and small, fuel how Detroit’s university can create a better world. #GiveGreenBeGold at givingday.wayne.edu Wayne State University hosts a local chapter affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, anchored by Wayne State’s University Library System.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (DPIL) is an international program that promotes early childhood literacy by offering enrolled children ages 0-5 one age-appropriate book every month, delivered to their door at no out-of-pocket cost. Since 2020, all children under age five living in zip codes 48201 and 48202 have been eligible to register for the Imagination Library through WSU's chapter, [formerly nicknamed Team Dolly]. Raising necessary funds to expand and sustain coverage for the entire city of Detroit is our goal. Funds raised would also be put towards programming and additional resources to support literacy development for children and their caregivers.

Our team has and will continue to collaborate with Detroit institutions and organizations. Additional funding coupled with alliance among DPIL chapters throughout Michigan will hopefully lead to statewide coverage. A gift of $26 covers the cost for a child to receive 12 high-quality Imagination Library books. This sponsors a child for one entire year in DPIL. Donating to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library this Giving Day will further aid our mission to bring families and communities together through literacy and foster a love of reading in potential future Warriors.

Thank you for your support!

In-Person Events

Celebrate Team Dolly’s 1st Birthday on Friday, 7/30 at New Center Park’s Friday Night Movie! 

This summer marks one year since WSU Libraries’ Team Dolly launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in zip codes 48201 and 48202, providing free books each month to all registered children ages 0-5.   

On Friday, 7/30 at 7pm team members will be near New Center Park’s entrance. Come by to say hello and pick up goodie bags with cookies courtesy of Avalon Bakery before settling in to watch Raya and the Last Dragon! In-person registration for DPIL will also be available. 

We’re excited to see you there! 

 

 

Waltonwood to Dollywood: Generations of Reading Celebration
TODAY at 10 a.m. in the UGL Atrium! 

To celebrate National Reading Month this March, Wayne State University, in partnership with Waltonwood Senior Living, are teaming up to host a Dolly Parton-themed reading party for Detroit community preschoolers: “Waltonwood to Dollywood: Generations of Reading Celebration.” This event invites children from Wayne State’s Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, the College of Education preschool and children from the Woodbridge community to immerse themselves in the magical world of storytelling. Here's what you can expect:  

  • Opportunities to enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) Children ages 0-5 years from the 48201 and 48202 zip codes can be signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a high quality, age-appropriate book to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the child’s family. Wayne State University Library System’s “Team Dolly,” Dolly Parton’s local Imagination Library chapter, works and fundraises to support this initiative.
  • Macho the Miniature Horse: Children and Waltonwood residents will enjoy a meet-and-greet with a miniature horse named Macho, all decked out as Dolly Parton.
  • Reading Stations: Waltonwood residents will read stories from Parton's Imagination Library, featuring favorites like "Coat of Many Colors."
  • Butterfly Bookmark Craft: Attendees will get crafty, creating butterfly bookmarks to take home as cherished mementos.
  • Book Drive: Children will receive gift bags and free books collected through a Waltonwood book drive.

Join us if your schedule allows!
 

Team Dolly/Brilliant Detroit Literacy Night

Dec. 6
5-7 p.m.
Brilliant Detroit Central
803 Hazelwood Street
Detroit, MI 48202


Team Dolly is excited to share their partnership with Brilliant Detroit for a special Literacy Night on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5-7 p.m. at the Brilliant Detroit Central Hub location. During the event, Team Dolly will be sharing Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" with local families, leading a craft activity and distributing winter coats to families in need. Team Dolly representatives will also be on-site to register eligible children for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children from birth to age five.

How You Can Help: Team Dolly is currently collecting new or gently used winter coats to distribute at this event. If you'd like to contribute to the coat drive, please bring your donations to Megan Hakala by December 6. The event expects around 25 families to attend, and coats of all sizes are welcome. Thank you for helping Team Dolly keep our community warm this winter!