Renfrewshire will celebrate its first official Dolly Parton Day on 25 September.
The Dollywood Foundation UK have given approval for an annual celebration of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Renfrewshire's Provost Lorraine Cameron put forward the motion at a Council meeting. The annual event will shine a light on the positive impact the initiative has had on local children and families.
The announcement comes as Renfrewshire passes another milestone. More than 230,000 books have been given out to Renfrewshire's young children since the programme began.
Renfrewshire is the first Scottish council to offer this programme to all children aged 2 to 5 years old. Children receive the books if they live in the area or attend a Renfrewshire nursery.
Funding for the programme was made permanent in the Council's budget commitments in March 2025. The programme supports increasing literacy in children by developing a lifelong love of reading.
Earlier this year, hundreds of children at Renfrewshire nurseries celebrated the country and western singer turning 80. Hugh Smiley ELCC had a visit from ‘Glasgow Mary’. St Peter’s ELCC held a birthday party. Glenfield and Houston ELCCs read books. West ELCC had a visit from the Skoobmobile.
East Fulton ELCC held a hoedown. St Catherine’s ELCC set up a ‘Dolly’s Diner’ café. Glenburn ELCC and Maxwelton Park Nursery created a special coat or blanket of ‘many colours’. Gallowhill ELCC sang and danced to Dolly Parton's greatest hits. St Mary's ELCC held a silent disco.
More than 25 Renfrewshire nurseries and childminders have all their children signed up to the programme.
Imagination Library books are read at Renfrewshire nurseries and by families at home.
Provost Cameron said: “Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has made a real difference to Renfrewshire's children. It helps them develop a love of reading and engage in stories with their parents and carers.
"Passing the 230,000 books milestone is a significant achievement. This programme sets children up for a lifelong love of reading. We've seen the positive impact it has on children's learning. That's why we made the commitment to permanently fund the programme.
"Having an official day to celebrate this programme is wonderful. Renfrewshire nurseries have fully embraced the programme and are fervent supporters. I look forward to seeing their celebrations take place.”
Helena Barrett-Duncan, Dollywood Foundation Regional Director for Scotland, said: “Renfrewshire has shown what is possible when an entire community gets behind early years reading. It has become a beacon for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Scotland, inspiring other local authorities to follow its lead. Celebrating Dolly Parton Day is a fitting way to recognise the thousands of children and families whose lives have been enriched by the programme.”
Families in Renfrewshire can register their child for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.