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West Virginia students in kindergarten through fifth grade are being challenged to read 25 books between October 1 and December 31 in a new statewide reading program named for Dolly Parton.
That works out to about two books a week. Students can register for the Dolly Days Read-a-Thon starting October 1 and may join at any time before the challenge ends. Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Department of Tourism announced the program Friday as a celebration of Parton’s commitment to childhood literacy. In August, Morrisey ordered flags lowered to honor Parton.
Readers keep track on a paper reading log that can be downloaded from the Read-a-Thon website or picked up at participating public libraries. The log has an optional space where children can draw their favorite book or a favorite moment from the challenge. Organizers are also encouraging students to visit their public library for new titles and storytime programs.
Finished logs are due Thursday, December 31, 2026. They can be sent in online through the program’s website, or dropped off at a local library, which will pass them along to the West Virginia State Library. The State Library is part of the Department of Tourism.
“Sparking a love for reading in our youngest generation connects them to a rich tradition of storytelling,” said Kayla Kessinger, secretary of the Department of Tourism.
Every child who finishes all 25 books will get a completion sticker. Winners will be announced January 19, 2027, Parton’s birthday:
- One hundred participants drawn at random will get a special-edition butterfly suncatcher made by Blenko Glass.
- Five winners will get a Blenko suncatcher and a set of custom glass bookends.
- A single grand prize winner will get the same Blenko prizes plus a gift basket full of brand-new books.
Drawings sent in with the reading logs will go on display at the State Library in the Culture Center through February and March 2027.
For details or a reading log, visit the Read-a-Thon website or ask at a local public library.
