Pace passengers can lose themselves in a book thanks to Dolly Parton tribute

What are six things country music diva Dolly Parton and Pace have in common?

As of Friday, the answer will be a half dozen little lending libraries at transit centers across the suburbs in honor of Dolly Day.

Parton, who died Aug. 25, contributed millions of dollars toward promoting literacy, including her popular Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children.

Pace plans to launch the lending libraries at major bus stations located at Barrington Road, Bolingbrook, Elgin, Harvey, the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg and Plainfield.

Riders can leave or take books to enjoy on their trips, Pace officials said, adding the goal is to make reading more accessible for everyone.

“Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and the simple ways we can help connect people to books,” Pace Chair John Noak said in a statement. “These little libraries will make it easier for passengers to share stories, discover something new, and contribute to a culture of learning and community.”

Dolly Day (9/25) was established to recognize the beloved country singer’s legacy that includes starring in the movie “9 to 5” and writing and performing the title song.

She founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 to benefit kids in East Tennessee where she grew up. It has since expanded to an international effort and, with help from other organizations, has provided more than 332 million books to children up to age 5.

“Dolly Parton’s lifelong commitment to literacy has inspired generations, reminding us that a single book can open the door to imagination, opportunity, and hope,” Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said in a statement.

mpyke@dailyherald.com