Country music legend Dolly Parton is urging Indiana Governor Mike Braun to reinstate state funding for her Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children under five.
The state's proposed budget eliminates its usual 50% funding match, jeopardizing the initiative’s future for 125,000 Hoosier children.
Parton, who launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to promote early literacy, has called on state lawmakers to reconsider. "We are hopeful that Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature will continue this vital investment by restoring the state’s funding match for local Imagination Library programs," her representative stated.
The program, inspired by Parton’s father’s struggle with illiteracy, distributes over two million books monthly worldwide. It operates through a shared funding model with local partners across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Ireland.
"For the past two years, Indiana has proudly partnered with the Imagination Library, helping nurture a love of reading and providing families with moments of joy," Parton’s statement read.
Research from the National Assessment of Adult Literacy highlights early literacy as a key factor in academic and personal success. Parton emphasized that her program transcends politics, uniting communities to support children’s education.
With Indiana’s participation now uncertain, advocates hope lawmakers will restore funding to ensure the program continues benefiting young readers.
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