What a way to make a living! The City of Calgary has officially proclaimed Sept. 25 – 9/25 – as Dolly Parton Day to honour the legendary performer’s commitment to boosting literacy among children. As part of the celebration, the Calgary Public Library Foundation is teaming up with local country music station Country 105 for a fundraising campaign, where all proceeds will support Dolly Parton’s My First Bookshelf charity. The organization provides all participating Calgary children with a free book each month under their fifth birthday, helping families foster a love of reading in their homes. Since 2020, it has delivered more than 204,000 books to about 8,300 children in the city, but hundreds more are on a wait list. The campaign will help to get books into those eager little hands. “We’re honoured to continue Dolly Parton’s mission by inspiring kids to love to read as they build their home libraries through Calgary Public Library’s My First Bookshelf program,” said Calgary Public Library Foundation CEO Tracy Johnson in a news release. “Today is a celebration of her life and legacy, and every donation made will help more Calgary children discover the joy and opportunity that comes with receiving their very own books.” Calgarians can help clear the waitlist by donating online at libraryfoundation.ca/dollyday.
