GCP266 - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Supporting Youth Literacy w/Tammy McClimon

The Grow Clinton Podcast returns with Episode 266, featuring Tammy McClimon of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Clinton County, Iowa. Tammy joins us to share program updates, discuss the local impact of this remarkable literacy initiative, and reflect on the enduring importance of the vision Dolly Parton began in 1995. For three decades, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has helped put books directly into the hands of young children, creating meaningful opportunities for families to read, learn, and grow together from the earliest years. A Legacy That Begins With Books Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth through age five, regardless of family income. What began in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, has grown into an international effort supporting children and families across the United States and several other countries. The program is built on a simple but powerful idea: early access to books can foster a lifelong relationship with reading. Each monthly delivery gives children something of their own, creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to read aloud, and helps make literacy part of everyday family life. Since its founding in 1995, the Imagination Library has reached extraordinary milestones. The organization launched a national replication effort in 2000, delivered its 200 millionth book in 2023, and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In 2024, one in seven children under age five in the United States received an Imagination Library book each month. Tammy McClimon Shares Clinton County Updates In Episode 266, Tammy McClimon updates listeners on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Clinton County and discusses what the program means for local children, parents, caregivers, educators, and the broader community. Her conversation with Grow Clinton highlights the value of investing early in children's development. Access to books supports more than reading readiness—it encourages parent-child connection, sparks imagination, and gives families practical tools to make learning part of daily life. Literacy Is Community Development Economic and community development starts with people, and supporting young children and families is among the most meaningful long-term investments a region can make. A child who grows up surrounded by books has more opportunities to develop language, curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Families benefit from shared reading routines. Schools and early-childhood providers benefit when children arrive more prepared to engage with learning. Over time, these investments help strengthen the workforce, quality of life, and sense of opportunity that define a thriving community. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library demonstrates how a program with a deeply personal origin can become a powerful community asset. Its success depends on local champions, volunteers, funders, caregivers, and organizations that recognize the value of helping every child get a strong start. Thank You, Imagination Library! Grow Clinton extends its sincere appreciation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and to the local leaders, partners, and supporters who make the Clinton County program possible. Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts. - Apple Music - Spotify - Amazon Music - Buzzsprout - Overcast - YouTube For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast. Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].     Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!