Council Establishes Annual Dolly Day to Celebrate Reading Scheme
Renfrewshire Council in Scotland has voted to dedicate a day each year to Dolly Parton in recognition of the significant impact of her reading program. The council will observe 'Dolly Day' on the musical icon's birthday to honor her contributions.
Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 80th birthday in January, introduced the Imagination Library reading initiative in the UK in 2007, following its earlier establishment in the United States. The program provides a monthly book to children aged two to five, and Renfrewshire Council became part of this initiative in 2021.
Parton has cited her father's illiteracy as a motivating factor behind her efforts to promote reading among children.
Recognition of the Program's Impact
At the full council meeting last week, Provost Lorraine Cameron proposed a motion to pay tribute to Dolly Parton. She emphasized the day would celebrate the "extraordinary impact" the reading scheme has had on children in the region.
"Now Dolly Parton may be a global superstar, a bigger superstar than any of us, a singer-songwriter, philanthropist and she's of course a cultural icon.
"But through that Imagination Library of hers, she's done something really beautiful and simple and very profoundly powerful which is putting books in the hand of her children."
The motion, which received unanimous support from council members, resolved to use 'Dolly Day' as an occasion to promote reading, imagination, and learning. It also aims to highlight the benefits of the Imagination Library to families within Renfrewshire.
The council encourages schools, early years settings, libraries, and community organizations to engage in celebrations and activities that emphasize the importance of books, storytelling, and imagination.
Councillor Jim Paterson, who seconded the motion, remarked on the broader significance of the day.
"For me, Dolly Day is not just about celebrating her 80th birthday, although that's an extremely important milestone for her personally.
"It's also about highlighting what I think is a model of leadership that she's demonstrated that is rooted in community and opportunity and for giving practical help to those most vulnerable."
Story by Local Democracy Reporter Jack Thomson
