April 25, 2026
10 Years of Building Readers in Borrego Springs
Share
“Thank You, Dolly”: 10 Years of Early Literacy in Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs marked a milestone on April 9 with a community celebration of 10 years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL), hosted by BASIC (Basic Assistance to Students in the Community).
Held at Borrego Springs High School, the event brought together families, educators, and community partners to recognize a program that has quietly shaped early childhood learning across the valley.
Why Early Literacy Matters
The focus of the celebration was clear: early reading changes outcomes.
Research shows that about 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five. During those years, children who are read to regularly are exposed to significantly more words, helping build language skills, reading ability, and readiness for kindergarten.
These aren’t abstract benefits. They happen in everyday moments—reading on the couch, at bedtime, or in a parent’s lap—where children begin to associate books with comfort, curiosity, and confidence.
What the Program Does
Since 2015, the Borrego Springs Imagination Library program has mailed one free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth to age five.
The program is made possible through a partnership between The Dollywood Foundation, the State of California, and BASIC, ensuring there is no cost to families.
To date, the program has:
- Enrolled 272 local children
- Delivered more than 6,475 books directly into homes
Put into perspective, those books would stretch farther than the length of the dragon sculpture at Galleta Meadows—a “dragon made of storybooks.”
Books That Mark the Journey
Each child’s reading journey begins and ends with meaningful titles.
- The first book: The Little Engine That Could, Dolly Parton’s childhood favorite
- The final book: Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, preparing children for their next step
Together, these books create a consistent and familiar pathway into reading.
A Program Rooted in Personal Experience
During the event, a short video shared Dolly Parton’s motivation for launching the program.
Her inspiration came from her father’s inability to read, leading her to create the Imagination Library so children could grow up surrounded by books and a belief in their own potential.
Local Impact: A Family Perspective
The program’s impact was illustrated through local families, including Dylan Garcia and his mother, Leyssa.
Leyssa shared that Dylan’s early language development was shaped in part by reading his Imagination Library books repeatedly from infancy.
Dylan, now six, read a thank-you note during the event:
“Thank you for helping kids like me get a book every month… My favorite book was The Gruffalo because it’s so fun and silly.”
Community Recognition
The event also highlighted the people who helped bring and sustain the program in Borrego Springs.
Joann Stang, whose early research and advocacy led BASIC to adopt the program, was recognized for her role in making Borrego the first Imagination Library affiliate in San Diego County.
Chrissy Green, Community Engagement Coordinator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of California, spoke about Borrego’s place within the broader state network and noted the community’s strong participation.
She also introduced Tom Stinson, representing Senator Kelly Seyarto’s office, who presented BASIC with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate honoring 10 years of impact.
A Community Effort
The celebration reflected broad community support.
Recognition was given to:
- BASIC board members and volunteers
- Local coordinators and program champions
- School district staff who supported the event
- Donors and partners who have funded the program over the past decade
Looking Ahead
While the milestone marks 10 years of progress, the need continues.
New children are born in Borrego Springs each year, and families continue to move into the area—many of whom may not yet be enrolled. The message from BASIC was simple: the work continues.
Families with children from birth to age five are encouraged to enroll and take part in the program.
To learn more or support BASIC’s efforts, visit:
www.borregobasic.com
Learn More About Borrego Springs
