Thanks to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
What began as a local program in Tennessee 25 years ago, has now blossomed to reach children in five countries. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, high-quality books to kids each month from birth until they start school, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Since 2014, the United Way of Australia has reached over 12,000 children and sent over 300,000 books in over 100 locations through this program. In addition to distributing books, the communities are supported with additional activities and collaborations between libraries, schools and other partners to enrich the lives of the families who benefit.
Touch the Earth Impact in Australia
In 2018, Julian Lennon’s Touch the Earth was added to the repertoire of distributed titles in Australia, much to the delight of many young future conservationists.
In a survey conducted by United Way Australia, parents who noted their child’s favorite book was Touch the Earth were asked to share their family’s experiences when they first received the book and what it’s been like to read it together. What follows are their responses:
“We opened it together and read it straight away and that’s now one of the books we read regularly throughout the month.”
“Conan opens the book himself and we read that book at bedtime that night.”
“It’s his special mail. Only he opens it.”
“Derek loves explaining what he can see on the front cover before we begin reading.”
“We read the book together at bedtime.”
We love hearing from parents, teachers and librarians about kids’ journeys with the White Feather Flier. Has your child or student recently discovered one of the books in the series? Or have you downloaded the digital versions for a special audio/visual experience? Post a photo to Instagram, tag @whitefeatherfoundation and tell us about it. We may share your story on our page!
Thanks to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through United Way Australia for helping to distribute Touch The Earth to children in Australia.
