A school for children with diverse learning needs has received a “special” donation through an initiative inspired by the late American singer-songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton.

The students at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning were excited to be invited to select two books of their choice, free of cost, at the Bermuda Bookstore through the gesture made to the school by an anonymous donor in the form of a gift certificate.

With the support of their teachers and the store’s staff, the 62 children who attend the school spent the morning perusing the store’s shelves for their favourite books.

Jane Vickers, director of advancement at BCCL, said the school was inspired by the donor’s support, which came from the Ms Parton’s Imagination Library programme. The singer, who died in August, was inspired by her father’s inability to read and write when she started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children in her home county of Tennessee in the US.

Ms Vickers said: “Dolly Parton believed in children reading. Books and stories open the imagination, so that they can achieve and aspire to whatever it is that they want.

“This very kind donor loves that concept, loves books and believes in children reading. The donor very kindly donated a special gift certificate so that every child at BCCL can purchase two books covered by the certificate.

“We have been very grateful to receive funds in the past to expand our library. We have a small library at school.”

Ms Vickers said the students have various special needs, and as such, “reading is really important for our children”.

She said the children’s parents were “beyond thrilled” about the initiative, adding that one of the students is celebrating her birthday today and the books were the perfect gift.

“Dog Man seems to be a very popular one with our students and the Lego books and Minecraft and so forth,” Ms Vickers added.

Hannah Willmott, of the Bermuda Bookstore, said the establishment welcomed the move.

She said the donor visited the store and “wanted to find a way to do what Dolly Parton did, but in Bermuda”.

Ms Willmott added: “It is really nice to have somebody who appreciates what Dolly Parton did and wanted to emulate her. I think this is wonderful.”

Today, Ms Parton’s Imagination Library programme spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world.