Pace will honor Dolly Parton on 9-25 with special destination signs and the launch of its little lending library program.
Passengers invited to share the joy of reading by taking or leaving a book at one of six little libraries at Pace transit centers
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Pace is celebrating Dolly Day on September 25 with the launch of a new little lending library program designed to encourage reading, sharing, and connection across the communities Pace serves.
Pace will install little lending libraries at six locations, giving passengers a simple way to take a book, leave a book, and help make reading more accessible for readers of all ages.
“Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and the simple ways we can help connect people to books,” said Pace Chairman John Noak. “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 is observed on September 25, a playful nod to Parton’s iconic song and film “9 to 5.” Communities across the country are marking the day by celebrating her music, generosity, and enduring cultural impact. Many observances also highlight her lifelong commitment to literacy, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age five.
The libraries will be installed at the following Pace transit centers:
- Elgin
- Plainfield
- Northwest Transportation Center (NWTC)
- Bolingbrook
- Harvey
- Barrington Road
“Dolly’s spirit lives on through efforts like these to promote literacy and reading,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Her commitment to giving the gift of reading can be felt in households throughout the region, including through the over five million free books that have been mailed to children in Illinois through the Imagination Library. Programs like these help connect people to the joy of reading.”
“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,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “We are proud to honor this true American hero and celebrate the lasting impact of her generosity, creativity, and belief in every child’s potential.”
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Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago’s suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace’s innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.