Fresno County leaders want to partner with Dolly Parton’s reading program.

The goal, Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell said Friday, is to raise $400,000 to get the program started. The American entertainment icon’s Imagination Library sends books directly to the homes of children.

But not just any book, said Rachel King with The Dollywood Foundation.

“These books have the child’s names on them because they’re their books. This is so important. And then they can have the home library and up to 60 books that are just theirs within that home,” King said.

Once the program is established, any Fresno County family regardless of income can sign up to receive a monthly book for ages 0 to 5. King said the foundation’s goal is to have a local partner in every California county.

There is no timetable to start the program in Fresno, but King hopes it’s soon.

Could Dolly Parton herself come to Fresno to celebrate the program?

“Dolly likes to celebrate when things happen,” King said. “So hopefully when we get all of California launched, who knows? We might see a visit.”

Increase Childhood Literacy

For Maxwell, his motivation is childhood literacy. He said 60% of Fresno County third graders are unable to read at grade level. Nearly 60% of low-income children nationwide do not have a book in the home.

“We will be able to ensure that every single child in Fresno County from birth to five. Yes, nearly all 80,000 children are mailed a free book every single month and that their parents and them could read together and prepare for a lifetime of success,” Maxwell said.

At Thursday’s Fresno City Council meeting, the city — through federal ARPA funds — contributed $150,000 on a 7-0 vote. Valley Children’s Hospital contributed $50,000; the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools $20,000; and Producer’s Dairy donated $10,000. So far, the program has raised $230,000.

“There are many things government can’t do alone and many things that we need great partners on,” Maxwell said.

Lighthouse for Children — a nonprofit affiliated with First 5 Fresno County — will implement the local program. Those interested in helping can reach out at the LFC website or send a check to:

Lighthouse for Children Inc.
Attention: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
2405 Tulare Street, Suite 200
Fresno, CA 93721

Write “Fresno Imagination Library” in the memo line.