Four million books delivered! That’s what happens when you mail out thousands of books every month for nearly 20 years. At this year’s Children’s Festival of Reading, we are honoring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County for reaching the impressive milestone. Since its inception in 2005, the program has mailed four million books to children under the age of 5 in Knox County at no cost to the family.
Three-year-old Patience Collins will don a butterfly tiara and a glittery sash worthy of Dolly herself as the honorary recipient of the four millionth book. Patie-bug, as she’s affectionately known, will serve as the Grand Marshal in the Parade of Books. According to her grandfather, Derrick Washington, she’s a natural at the role! She has been receiving Imagination Library books since birth and loves to read. Plus, she fancies herself a princess on any given day so being the Grand Marshal will be a piece of cake!
The Parade of Books is just one of a gazillion things to do at the Children’s Festival of Reading this Saturday, May 18, from 10-3 in World’s Fair Park. The Knox County Library’s annual kickoff event for its Quest for Knowledge Summer Adventure will host authors, illustrators, storytellers and storybook characters. The day is packed with fun-filled activities, music, food, a train and even a pirate’s ship. You may want to download the program and plan your day.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library