Dolly’s Imagination Library Serving Many In Rockbridge Area
It’s well known that Dolly Parton dreams big, but one wonders if even she dreamed of how successful her Imagination Library would become. From humble beginnings 30 years ago in her home county of Sevier, Tenn., the Imagination Library has grown to provide free books to more than 270 million children in five countries. When New Providence Presbyterian Church became the local Imagination Library sponsor in March of 2024, church members also had big dreams about serving children in the Rockbridge area.
According to the pastor, Rev. Loren Tate Mitchell, the idea of becoming a local Imagination Library sponsor was presented by a member of the church who has a deep desire to support children in reading and learning. “We knew that we had the ability not only to fund our portion of the annual cost, but also recognized the need as surrounding counties had the program but Rockbridge County did not,” said Mitchell. New Providence is the only church in Virginia to be in partnership with the Imagination Library, she pointed out.
The dream of serving Rockbridge area children is coming true. Since the church became affiliated with the organization, more than 6,500 free books have been mailed to area children. More than 580 children between the ages of 0 and 5 are currently registered to receive a book each month. Over 660 area children have participated so far, with more than 75 “graduating” when they turned five years old. Even with graduations, the number of children receiving books each month continues to grow. A child registering at birth will receive 60 books addressed directly to them by the time they start school at age five.
Mitchell sees the Imagination Library as contributing to the New Providence mission of “Serving God and the community since 1746.” She said the congregation has deep roots in the advancement of schools and education in the community, going back to its earliest years. The church has also recently invested in other resources to serve children and families in the community. A brand new playground is open to all, and refurbished tennis and basketball courts now include a pickleball court for community use.
Many parents and guardians have expressed appreciation for the program, with some saying they had hoped to sign up in the past but found it unavailable in the area. “Now, not only are they growing a library for their families, but nurturing their young readers and spending quality time together pouring over these beautiful books,” she said. That is a dream come true for Dolly and for New Providence.
The Rockbridge area Imagination Library is available to children between the ages of 0 and 5 who reside in Rockbridge County, Lexington or Buena Vista. To learn more or to register a child, visit the Imagination Library tab on the New Providence web site at newprovidencepresbyterianchurch. org or at ImaginationLibrary.com.
