The Imagination Library has been transforming early literacy across Canada and today, more than 5 million books have been mailed to children nationwide. Locally, the program reaches 600 Sea to Sky children every month through S.P.A.R.K., a Sea to Sky Community Services initiative that provides monthly books, virtual learning sessions, and early‑learning materials to help children build strong foundations for school and for life.
A Program Born from Dolly Parton’s Family Story
The Imagination Library began with a deeply personal inspiration. Dolly Parton’s father, Robert Lee Parton, was bright, capable, and hardworking but he never learned to read or write. Dolly often shared that his limited access to literacy shaped his opportunities, and she dreamed of a world where every child, regardless of circumstance, could grow up with books in their home.
She created the Imagination Library to ensure that all children — especially those who may not otherwise have access — could develop a love of reading from the very beginning.
The Impact in the Sea to Sky
New research from the largest shared‑reading study ever conducted shows that children enrolled in the Imagination Library are:
- 13× more likely to be read to 4+ days per week
- 11× more likely to initiate shared reading
- 7× more likely to demonstrate expressive vocabulary
These findings mirror what our S.P.A.R.K. team sees every day.
“The Imagination Library has had a meaningful impact on families in the Sea to Sky corridor by fostering connection, building confidence, and supporting early literacy,” says Ruby Bhangoo, Early Years Coordinator overseeing the S.P.A.R.K. Program at Sea to Sky Community Services. “Receiving a new book each month creates special opportunities for parents and caregivers to read with their children, strengthening family bonds and establishing positive reading routines.”
For some families, these books may be the only ones in the home — making the program not just beneficial, but essential.
Small Moments, Big Skills
Ruby sees firsthand how children grow when books become part of daily life.
“We see children building expressive vocabulary, showing increased curiosity, and becoming more engaged with books,” she explains. “Many begin initiating reading experiences independently and develop important early literacy skills.”
These small, everyday moments of counting images, describing pictures, holding the book themselves, are the building blocks of brain development, language growth, comprehension, and school readiness.
Why Families Read More
One of the most powerful aspects of the program is its simplicity: the books arrive right at the doorstep of families.
“I believe families engage more in shared reading because the books are accessible and consistent,” Ruby says. “Those small moments — reading before bed, cuddling up with a new book — add up over time.”
Gratitude for Local Sponsors
The Imagination Library in the Sea to Sky is made possible thanks to the generosity of community donors — including two major supporters: Surerus Murphy and Parkside Dental.
Their contributions help ensure that 600 local children receive a free, high‑quality book every month.
We are deeply grateful for their commitment to early literacy and to the wellbeing of families in our region.
The Need for a Long‑Term Local Sponsor
Providing 600 books each month to local children costs $25,000 per year. As S.P.A.R.K. looks to the future, a dedicated local sponsor could change everything.
“A long‑term sponsor would provide stability and sustainability,” Ruby says. “It would allow us to reach more families, increase awareness, and plan with confidence.”
We believe every child deserves a strong start. A donation today to the Imagination Library can help provide free, high‑quality books to local children each month, building literacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.
Give today and help a child’s story begin: https://gcld.co/ZlVkeng
Families can sign up for S.P.A.R.K. at www.sscs.ca/spark.