Literacy Facts

Genghis Khan exempted the poor and clergy from taxes, promoted literacy among Mongols, and established religious tolerance across his empire, making Mongol rule attractive to many conquered peoples.

Dolly Parton's father was the smartest man she ever knew. He never learned to read or write. In 1995 she started mailing a free book every month to every child in her Tennessee county. Kids began calling her the Book Lady. Today it sends more than 3 million free books a month and has mailed over 300 million. Dolly died on August 25, 2026, at 80. The books are still going out.