BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va. (Oct. 2, 2024) – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol will host a screening of the documentary film “The Library that Dolly Built” at 6:30 p.m. EST, Oct. 4. The event is free and open to the public, but a donation at the door of a book – or books – aimed at third to fifth-grade children is suggested. The screening and book drive are part of the nationwide NEA Big Read initiative this October and November, driven locally through a partnership with the Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, Va., Bristol Public Library, and the museum.
“Dolly Parton is a legendary figure in the world of country music, but to the people of Appalachia she is so much more,” said museum Head Curator Dr. René Rodgers. “To us, Dolly is an iconic symbol of hope, resilience, and humanitarianism. The story and impact of the Imagination Library is truly inspiring. Bring a young reader with you to the screening and please, donate a book in the spirit of Dolly!”
All books collected at the event will be donated to the Appalachian Literacy Initiative, based in Bristol. Lists of recommended book titles can be found on their website at ReadAppalachian.org.
The film takes us behind the scenes of Dolly Parton’s literacy-focused nonprofit, Imagination Library, to show how one of the most famous and beloved performers in the world has developed an efficient and effective program for spreading the love of reading. Directed and produced by journalism professor and director Nick Geidner (Land Grant Films) and narrated by Danica McKellar, the 2020 film celebrates all the people who helped make Dolly’s dream come true.
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, a partnership with Arts Midwest, broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience. The goals of the Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.
For more information about the NEA Big Read, visit arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read. For more information about activities in Southwest Virginia, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.