Eminence Public Library

08/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ba7Nh3369/

From the Post-Dispatch Editorial Board: "Perhaps everyone loved Dolly specifically because she actually wasn’t sending any ideological message.

"Her decency and generosity knew no political party. Parton’s music, philanthropy and determined nonpartisanship were so roundly appealing that both Republican and Democratic members of the Missouri Legislature will certainly be tempted to laud her memory in their campaign stump speeches this election season.

"Any who do should first pledge to restore the $4 million that the General Assembly thoughtlessly hacked from the state budget earlier this year for a renowned Parton charity that provides free books to young children.

"Otherwise, their praise should be called out for the self-serving hypocrisy it will be."

🔗 More on lawmakers' cuts to the program at the link in the comments and STLtoday.com.

08/31/2026

Nana nana nana nana BATGIRL!

08/29/2026

08/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q7A7hxugJ/

⚠️ EMINENCE R-1: DOLLY PARTON PROGRAM UPDATE:

Missouri froze funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in July. Remaining funds will likely be depleted by December.

Quick Questions/Answers:

📕 “Will our Eminence kids still get books?”
——✅ Yes! Local management is being restored, and I (Whitney Randolph) have volunteered to return to manage, operate and fundraise for our district.

💰 “I thought Dolly paid for it. Why fundraise?”
——While the program was/is largely funded by Dolly…local programs have a small amount to raise for each child in order to participate.
——The local program cost is about $2.60 per child per month. Which is most likely a portion of the shipping rather than actually paying for the books.

💵 “When did MO start funding for all districts?”
——MO passed this (Link: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=178.694 ) in 2022.
——MO began funding for EVERY school district’s local program costs during the 23/24 school year.

😡 “Why didn’t MO fulfill their promise?”
——While I am sad, the actual funding was set to sunset in December 2026, unless renewed.

🍋 Why I’m choosing to make lemonade out of lemons.
——When I spoke with a MO Senator in 2022, I was told the plan was for MO to fund it for a few years…then, turn over funding responsibility to the SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
——I hated this plan. Rural School budgets are already stretched thin.
——I am choosing to be grateful that MO turned it back over to local affiliate partners instead of strong arming school districts into funding the initiative.

🫂 How can YOU help?
——Once I get back into my management portal, I will release how many children need sponsors
——Sponsorships are $30/child. That covers a full year of mailed books!!
——Follow this page for more updates!!

08/26/2026

We admire her work bringing the joy of reading to rural children. She will be missed.