Anchorage named a day for Dolly Parton three weeks after her death

More than 73,000 free books land in Anchorage mailboxes every year, one a month for each of more than 6,000 children from birth to age 5. On Sept. 15 the Assembly set aside a day to mark it, three weeks after the woman who started it died.

Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995. The charitable organization Best Beginnings has run the Anchorage program since 2009. Parton died Aug. 25 at 80, and the resolution notes memorial contributions from residents and businesses. The Assembly picked Sept. 25 for her association with "9 to 5."

The program has had leaner years. In an October 2023 service update, Best Beginnings said limited funding was forcing it to end service in six zip codes, cutting the number of children it reached.

Vice Chair Daniel Volland and Assembly Members Erin Baldwin Day and Yarrow Silvers sponsored the measure, which asks residents to honor Parton by reading with children, handing out books and supporting local literacy efforts.