Dolly Parton’s passing last week has left many reflecting on the country music star’s philanthropy, particularly around children’s literacy. Last weekend (8-29-26), Sitkans took a page out of Parton’s book by giving free books to kids. Listen here:
It’s a rainy afternoon at Old Harbor Books in Sitka. Lisa Teas Conaway is browsing the shelves with her three sons.
“We found a great Frog and Toad for Owen here, who’s only seven months old. He’s very excited to chew on it already. And Adrian, what did you find?” Teas Conaway asks her oldest son, who holds up Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual.
They’ll be walking away with three new books — one for each of the boys — without paying a penny. A Facebook group called Sitka Kids is leading a pay-it-forward campaign for children’s books at the local bookshop. Kids up to age 12 can choose one book under $20. Community donations will cover the cost.
It’s one way Sitkans are honoring the legacy of Dolly Parton, who was dedicated to improving children’s literacy, especially in rural areas. Librarian Kari Sagel helped get the idea off the ground.
“People wanted to commemorate her, sing her songs, play tributes,” Sagel says. “And I sensed that people wanted to do something, and I thought, ‘Well, let’s give them something to do.'”
Parton has been making an impression on young readers in Sitka for years. Over 260 kids are enrolled in Sitka’s branch of the Imagination Library, Parton’s foundation that sends one free book a month to kids under five. As a librarian, Sagel says she’s always eager to give books to children. Especially physical books.
“I think research shows that the ‘book book’ is important. That’s the technical library term: ‘book book,'” Sagel says.
Jasmine Horton is a bookseller at the local store. Before the shop opened this morning, she says people were lined up outside with rainboots and umbrellas.
“I expected it to be busy for sure,” Horton says. “But when I walked up and saw the line, I was like, ‘Oh, let me hurry up and get inside so we can get started.'”
And there’s been a steady stream of customers all day. The fund started with $300 from Sagel, the bookstore, and Peggy Fedoroff, a retired teacher. With just a few days notice, they racked up more than $3,000 from individuals and businesses in town. Over 120 kids were able to walk away with a free book.
“It’s social media and word of mouth in a small town. The two are just the perfect combo,” says Ashia Lane, the bookstore’s manager.
There’s still a few hundred dollars left in the fund. Lane says the bookstore is hoping to hold the balance on a gift card to pay-it-forward another day.
Dolly Parton’s death was tough news for people around the world. But for Sitka’s youngest readers, her light still shines, even on a rainy day.
