09/24/2026
At Monday’s Council meeting Mayor Carver proclaimed September 25th ( 9 two 5) Dolly Parton Day.
In the photo left to right:
Bridgette Skatzes Siegfried accepting for the Mount Gilead Public Library, Mayor Carver, Erin Kelty and Deanna Brant for Kiwanis of Morrow County who partner for Dolly’s Imagination Library.
Below is the proclamation.
A PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 AS “DOLLY PARTON DAY” IN THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT GILEAD
WHEREAS, Dolly Parton was a beloved entertainer, songwriter, author, philanthropist, and humanitarian whose extraordinary life touched people throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Dolly Parton believed deeply in the power of children, education, imagination, and the written word, and in 1995 established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide young children with books and inspire a lifelong love of reading; and
WHEREAS, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has grown from a program serving children in her home county in Tennessee into a worldwide movement, providing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five, regardless of their family’s income; and
WHEREAS, in Ohio, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has provided over 28 million books to over 1 million children across the state and continues to bring the joy of reading directly into the homes of Ohio families; and
WHEREAS, in Morrow County, nearly 1,400 children are currently enrolled and receiving a free book every month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Mount Gilead is particularly proud of the local commitment to this important mission, with the Kiwanis Club of Morrow County serving as the local champion and having sponsored and supported enrollment for hundreds of local children; and
WHEREAS, through the dedication of organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Morrow County, the Mount Gilead Public Library, families, educators, and community members, our community continues to demonstrate that investing in children and literacy is an investment in the future of Mount Gilead; and
WHEREAS, Dolly Parton’s life demonstrated that one person’s generosity, compassion, and belief in the potential of every child can inspire an entire generation, and her legacy will continue through the millions of children who have discovered the joy of books and reading because of her vision; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Mount Gilead wishes to honor Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy of giving, her commitment to children and literacy, and the lasting impact of the Imagination Library on our own community; and
WHEREAS, we encourage all residents to celebrate Dolly Parton’s legacy by reading with a child, sharing a book, supporting childhood literacy, and helping ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to experience the wonder and possibilities that books can provide; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of September 25, residents are encouraged, if able, to consider making a $9.25 donation to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and help continue bringing books to the children of our community; and
WHEREAS, we honor Dolly Parton not only for the music and entertainment she gave the world, but for the love, kindness, generosity, imagination, and hope she gave to generations of children.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONNA J. CARVER, MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT GILEAD, OHIO, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2026, as
DOLLY PARTON DAY
in the Village of Mount Gilead, Ohio,
and encourage all residents to join us in celebrating Dolly Parton’s remarkable legacy by supporting childhood literacy and the gift of reading.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the Village of Mount Gilead, Ohio, to be affixed this 21st day of September, 2026.
Donna J. Carver, Mayor
Village of Mount Gilead, Ohio
