Covington/Clifton Forge, VA (Sept. 16, 2026)— This morning, the Journal was privy to a special meeting with both the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library—located at 406 West Riverside Street in Covington—and the Clifton Forge Public Library—located at 535 Church Street in Clifton Forge.
During our visit, it was announced that both libraries would be celebrating Dolly Parton Day from 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. on September 25th. Or, 9-5 on 9/25, in honor of the late singer's hit song and movie 9-5, both of which debuted in 1980.
Additionally, this morning's meeting was also about recognizing both libraries' involvement in the Imagination Library, a foundation created by Dolly Parton. Parton launched the program in honor of her father who could neither read nor write in order to create a love of reading among young children. The program began as local effort in Tennessee to mail free, high-quality children's books to all kids from birth up to five-years-old. Like wildfire, it caught on quickly and caught on nationally, reaching the smallest of areas, including Alleghany County.
To participate in the Imagination Library at home, simply visit the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library or the Clifton Forge Public Library. "Parents get a chance to register their children and then they get an age-appropriate book from birth to age five," Mary Donnan, Executive Director of the Alleghany Foundation said Wednesday morning. "And some of the examples," Donnan noted, referring to the book in her hand, "this one I wanted to open here, are just, they're colorful, they're engaging. This one's called 'The Little Excavator,' and it talks about a big challenge he has and how he has to move all this dirt.
The Imagination Library is largely supported by both the Alleghany Foundation and the local YMCA, whose representatives were present to celebrate the incredible legacy of the late Dolly Parton. |  | (L to R) Bobbie Wagner, CEO of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA; Mike Barnes, Director of the Clifton Forge Public Library; Mary Donnan, Executive Director of the Alleghany Foundation; and Dianne Garcia, Chair of Alleghany Highlands Community Services.
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