Today: Dolly-Inspired Book Giveaway For Children During Library Book Sale

September 26, 2026

Today, September 26, the Friends of the West Florida Public Library will honor music icon Dolly Parton’s lifelong commitment to childhood literacy by giving away a free used book to every child attending the Fall Big Book Sale.

Inspired by Parton’s Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children to build personal home libraries, the special giveaway runs today only from 9 a.m. until 5 at the Downtown Library, located at 239 N. Spring St. in Pensacola. Admission to the sale today is free.

Every child—from infants up to age 18—who visits the sale with an adult relative or guardian can pick out one free book to take home. Children must be present to participate.

“They may select from the children’s picture books, board books, early readers, children’s fiction and children’s non-fiction books. Older children and teens may select a YA book,” said Kathy McCartan, President of the Friends of the West Florida Public Library. McCartan noted that graphic novels are excluded from the giveaway.

“We are happy to honor her by helping children add to their personal libraries,” McCartan said. “Giving a child a book to keep is giving them an investment toward their life-long love of books.”

In addition to the children’s giveaway, the annual sale features a large collection of hardback and softback books covering fiction, mysteries, biographies, cooking, young adult, and foreign language titles, along with CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and audiobooks. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.

The event wraps up Sunday, September 27, with the popular Bag Sale from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.., where admission is free and shoppers can fill a bag for $7.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP