I saw a really funny meme the other day. It was a response to the news that Elon Musk had reached a deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion dollars.  The meme said something to the effect of "Think what Dolly Parton could/would do with $44 billion." Well, isn't that the truth?

One of Dolly's most amazing contributions, and there have been plenty, is the creation of Imagination Library.

Since its creation, that amazing mission has gifted over 178,000,000 books to children around the world. While the program started here in the United States, it has grown to Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia.  Imagine. Dolly started the program way back in 1996 in Sevierville and it's now promoting literacy internationally.  That's astounding.

Getty Images for ACM
Getty Images for ACM
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Stateside, the program continues to grow as well. News recently broke that here in Kentucky, Imagination Library would be available in every single county (all 120 of them) in the Commonwealth.

Stephen Andrews/Unsplash
Stephen Andrews/Unsplash
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It's been available here in Daviess County since 2007 and our local affiliate has just announced plans for a fun event next month. It's a Storybook Picnic and it's set for Saturday, May 14th from 9am to 11am at Moreland Park.

Here's a fun look at the flier for the event.

Imagination Library
Imagination Library
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As you can see, attendees are invited to come dressed as their favorite characters for a fun morning at the park. And, naturally, there will FREE books.  Plus, local children's book authors will be reading to small groups.

I am excited because I have been invited to broadcast live from the event and will be doing so. You're encouraged to round up the kids and join in the fun.

 

KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

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