The Timrod Library

08/26/2026

In 1995, Dolly Parton started mailing books to children in her home county to inspire children to love reading in honor of her dad, who couldn’t read or write. That idea became Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, now a worldwide organization.

Dolly’s idea lives on here in Summerville too. Every month, more than 600 children in our community find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers at the Timrod Library who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, Tennessee, who started it all.

The Timrod Library signed on to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2021 to give our children the best start in life. Our affiliate program currently serves children in the 29483 and 29472 Zip codes. In cooperation with DPIL, we have put more than 17,000 books in the hands of local children in the past five years.

While our hearts are incredibly sad today, we’re more inspired than ever to continue this important mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.

Find out more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how to support Dolly’s legacy locally at thetimrodlibrary.org/imagination-library

Thank you for supporting our work and Dolly’s legacy.

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📸 Timrod Board member and DPIL chair Marcia Jonczak painted this portrait of Dolly for a fundraiser with in conjunction with their production of 9 to 5 the Musical!

08/26/2026

08/09/2026

Award-winning novelist Susan Zurenda will be at the Timrod Library at 3 p.m., Aug. 30., for a book talk and signing of her latest novel No Way Out But Through.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for Timrod Library Members) and are available at the Timrod Library or on the Library website at the blue button below. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Books will be for available for sale at this event thanks to Main Street Reads!
30.https://mailchi.mp/cf28709416bd/zurenda-author-event-aug3026

07/30/2026

Thank you to the Summerville Oakbrook Rotary Club for their generous donation to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Affiliate at the The Timrod Library! Celebrating nearly 600 children (and counting) that will receive books from the Imagination Library this month!

07/15/2026

Join us for Storytime tomorrow July 16 at 10:30! Bring your little ones to hear fun stories and to play at craft making! Check out our new books too!

06/13/2026

Fun is the name of the game at the annual Timrod Library Game Day on June 24 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Bring a group of friends and the card or board game of your choice. We’ll provide tables, chairs, and a delicious lunch.
Reservations are available for tables of four, and tickets are $30 per person. Make reservations at the Library.
Call (843) 871-4600 for tickets, details, and questions.

Space is limited: Play your cards right and reserve your table by June 17! Proceeds benefit the historic Timrod Library

06/04/2026

In the news! Timrod Library's growing affiliate program for the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

Summerville Journal Scene Berkeley Independent

Since it became an affiliate of The Imagination Library in 2021, Timrod Library has funded the delivery of more than 17,000 books to the homes, hands and hearts of children

06/01/2026

Journalist and author Lindsay Street will talk about her book, "Maude Callen: Legendary Nurse Midwife of South Carolina," at the Timrod Library at 3 p.m. this SATURDAY!
Street's book illuminates the life of Maude Callen, a pioneering Black nurse-midwife, who brought life-saving healthcare to the rural South from 1923 to 1990.
Tickets are $15 and $10 for Timrod Library Members and available at the link below and at the Library. Seating is limited, so don't wait! The author’s books will be available for sale at the event.

https://www.thetimrodlibrary.org/an-afternoon-author-talk-with-lindsay-street.html

06/01/2026

Book and author event this Saturday, June 6, with Lindsay Street -- plus all the summer news in the latest Timrod Newsletter -- read it here!
https://mailchi.mp/aedd0f6f9121/timrod-newsletter-summer2026

05/22/2026

We wish you a safe celebration as you remember those that gave their lives for our freedom.