BROOKINGS (9-25-26) — Across the country, people honored late philanthropist and artist Dolly Parton on September 25 (9/25) – or Nine Two Five Day – by showing support to The Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The program is operated in Brookings County by Brookings Area United Way. It provides any child from newborn to age 5 a free book each month. The program, created by Parton, encourages the love of reading and increases a young person’s ability prior to entering Kindergarten.
Following Parton’s recent death, a national movement began to use Sept 25 as the date to honor her, as the date matches her 1980 comedy movie debut and hit song of the same name “Nine to Five.”
Also known as “Give Like Dolly Day” – people are encouraged to donate to their area organizations that help fund the program. Brookings Mayor Ope Neimeyer joined the United Way to read Dolly Parton Imagination Library books to local young readers at preschools located at Hillcrest Elementary, Dakota Prairie Elementary, Medary Elementary, Brookings Clubhouse Early Childhood Enrichment Center, Volga Christian School, GracePoint, and First Lutheran Church.
People can enroll in the program or donate to keep it operating at www.brookingsunitedway.org/dpil.
— From Brookings Area United Way
