Bill > SJR0050

This resolution celebrates the 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a nonprofit literacy program that began in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee. Inspired by her father's limited reading skills, Parton initially started the program by providing free age-appropriate books to nearly 2,000 local children from birth to age five. Over time, the program expanded dramatically, and now distributes books in all fifty U.S. states, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. To date, more than 260 million books have been gifted through the program. The resolution highlights the program's significant educational impact, noting that participants are better prepared for kindergarten and score higher on reading comprehension and vocabulary assessments. The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives aim to recognize Parton's philanthropic efforts, acknowledging her affectionate nickname "The Book Lady" and celebrating her contribution to children's literacy. The resolution officially commends Parton for her generosity and the positive influence of the Imagination Library on children worldwide.

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SJR0050&ga=114