Local library associate director attends Imagination Library event

COLFAX - Local Whitman County Library Associate Director/Youth Services Manager Sheri Miller attended the in-person Dolly Parton Imagination Library "by invitation" only event as a VIP representative at the Pantages Theatre in Tacoma on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

"Sheri was selected as our VIP representative because of her commitment to the program and innovative sharing of the Imagination Library's mission to place books into the hands of our county's youngest readers," United Way of Whitman County Executive Director Deanna Bren said, adding that Miller makes sure a life-sized cut-out of Dolly and registration forms for the program are circulated through the 14 rural libraries continuously.

"Her efforts have helped quickly grow the program throughout Whitman County," Bren said, noting that the United Way and Whitman County Libraries are encouraging young readers.

At the event on Tuesday, Aug. 15, Dolly Parton visited the state of Washington to celebrate the Imagination Library achieving statewide coverage.

Miller explained that the Imagination Library has gained momentum in Washington.

"I think it's just a great program, and it's so awesome for the United Way of Whitman County to take this on," she said, noting that they're doing an exceptional job of getting the word out and getting others involved. "They're just a great agency to promote this program."

"I loved it. It was so inspiring," Miller said about attending the event, adding that Dolly Parton was precisely what she expected her to be like.

Even though Miller wasn't able to meet Dolly Parton face to face, she said that it was a fantastic experience to listen to Parton's stories about her father not being able to read and her commitment to the Imagination Library program, as well as Parton performing a couple of songs for those in attendance.

"She was very genuine, and I just loved listening to her," she said of Parton. "One of the highlights in my career, I'll have to say," Miller added.

"She just got everybody revved up and ready to get these books into the hands of kids," she said.

Miller noted that her grandchildren are involved in the Imagination Library Program, which sends books to kids five and under. "My granddaughter is a graduate. She just turned six," Miller said, noting that the younger siblings all look forward to getting their books in the mail.

"They read them right away," she said, adding that though it's books that they probably usually wouldn't check out at the library when her grandkids get the books directly delivered to them, it's just different.

Members from the local United Ways, Whitman County, and Neill personnel were in attendance, as well as the Pullman Rotary Club and Women's Leadership Guild.