Paisley library to honour Dolly Parton with commemorative plaque

A commemorative plaque will be installed at Paisley Central Library to pay tribute to Dolly Parton and the work of her Imagination Library.

Councillors have decided to recognise “the immense cultural and musical contribution” of the late singer-songwriter who died at the age of 80 in August.

A motion, lodged by SNP councillor Audrey Doig and seconded by Provost Lorraine Cameron, received unanimous support at Thursday’s full meeting of Renfrewshire Council.

It stated: “This council recognises the immense cultural and musical contribution of Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, and, in particular, her ground-breaking Imagination Library initiative which has brought great benefit to the children of Renfrewshire.

“Council agrees, as a lasting tribute to her promotion of the Imagination Library locally, to erect a plaque within Paisley Central Library in honour of her life and achievements.”

The ‘Queen of Country’ and literacy advocate was known for hits such as 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You, and Jolene, but her influence was felt beyond the music industry.

She was the founder of the Imagination Library – a world-renowned book gifting programme. The council offers children aged two to five years old a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month through the initiative.

Councillor Doig, who represents Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, said at the meeting: “Everything’s been on the telly lately about the passing of Dolly Parton but I think we need to recognise the contribution to the lives of our young children in this area through the Imagination Library.

“I’d like to think that everybody understands how much effort and support Dolly put into the Imagination Library, and also at this time recognise the amount of work that’s been done by individuals in Renfrewshire, regarding this as well.

“I would just like to see us recognising the fact of what she’s done and putting the plaque up in Paisley Central Library to acknowledge the life improvements and achievements she’s done within Renfrewshire.”

In February, it was agreed that a formal Dolly Parton Day should be marked in the area on an annual basis following a motion by Provost Cameron. This was celebrated for the first time in the local authority on Friday.

On Thursday, it was also confirmed that council buildings will be lit pink each year for the occasion.

Speaking about the plaque, Provost Cameron, who represents Paisley Southwest, added at the meeting: “I would like to say that this is not about just honouring somebody famous, it’s about honouring someone who has made a huge contribution to the lives of our children in Renfrewshire.

“I know that it’s had a great impact on children around the world but my main concern is how could we implement this in Renfrewshire and how could we make this work for our young people?

“We are doing that with the support of the entire council … We’re having the most wonderful impact and results coming out of the Imagination Library.”