Dolly Parton’s advocacy for reading will soon be hitting the big screen. A press release has announced that Dollywood and Abramorama, in association with The Dollywood Foundation, have organized a one-night-only release of “The Library That Dolly Built” for next month. The documentary, an inside look at Parton’s literacy-focused non-profit, Imagination Library, will screen at over 325 locations across the country on April 2. The iconic songstress herself will attend the screening at NYC’s Sillas SVA Theater.
Narrated by Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) and directed by Land Grant Films’ Nick Geidner, “The Library That Dolly Built” tells the story of Parton’s non-profit, which she formed in 1995 as a gift for her hometown, Sevierville, Tennessee. Now a presence in all 50 states and in five countries, Imagination Library provides 1.45 million free, age-appropriate books to children each month. Since its launch, the non-profit has gifted over 135 million books.
“The film also provides a glimpse of the profound impact the Imagination Library has on the people through original interviews with authors, policy makers, Imagination Library staff, recipients, and the legend herself, Dolly Parton,” the press release describes. “Woven throughout the film is a biographical sketch of Dolly Parton, featuring rare photos and films from her childhood.”
“I always felt we owed the world a better and deeper understanding of the Imagination Library but the stars never quite aligned. When Nick Geidner came to us with his unique vision and talent, I knew the time had come to make this film,” Parton said. “With the help of Abramorama, Dollywood, and all of our community partners, we hope to make a big splash in theaters all across the country on April 2.”
Abramorama added, “Dolly Parton is an American icon well beyond her musical and acting talents. Her vision to tackle illiteracy with her foundation has improved the lives of millions of children and will continue to do so for years to come. Amazing as her foundation is, only one person on this planet can say she’s gifted over one-hundred-million books to children — Dolly Parton!”
Parton is an eight-time Grammy winner, a two-time Oscar nominee, and a recipient of the Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Last year Netflix premiered “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings,” a narrative anthology series inspired by some of her best known songs. Parton’s acting credits include “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Joyful Noise.”
Find screening locations and more information about “The Library That Dolly Built” on Imagination Library’s website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkISoawiIB8&feature=youtu.be
