Protecting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!
The state budget proposal does not include funding for the early literacy program
Dear neighbor,
Last week, the House of Representatives heard and passed the state budget, House Bill 1001. The current proposal includes no funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton’s early literacy program mails free books to children under the age of five regardless of income or location. The program grew to all 92 counties in Indiana with a matching grant of $6 million in 2023.
I fully support restoring and increasing state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. I’ve received more calls from Hoosiers in my area about restoring this funding than any other cut in the state budget. As of 2023, 1 in 5 third graders lacked basic reading skills. This program is a much-needed investment in Indiana’s future.
Dolly’s Library is free to the children enrolled, and local Imagination Library partners only pay 50% of their local program cost with the remaining 50% paid by the state. As we consider the role of public funding to support Hoosier families, I implore you to consider how we foster a culture of lifelong learning. It starts with the family. Helping families establish a love of reading is the best way to spark the fire of gaining the knowledge contained in books. Future educational metrics, future workforce readiness, and future entrepreneurial goals depend upon our success in early childhood.
Dolly Parton’s team issued the following quote about the elimination of the program:
“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. The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all — regardless of politics — because every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed. For the past two years, the State of Indiana has been a proud partner in bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to over 125,000 Hoosier children each month. Together, we’ve helped nurture a love of reading, given families precious moments of joy, and built a foundation for lifelong learning.”
On Friday, Gov. Braun responded to the public outcry about the Imagination Library by calling on First Lady Maureen Braun to form a public-private partnership to fund this program. However, this program is a drop in the budget bucket compared to other programs – something the state can certainly fund. We should make this program a guarantee for our children by including it in the budget instead of leaving it up to wealthy donations.
Rest assured, House Democrats will work “9 to 5” to reinstate Dolly Parton’s library. As always, please email my office at h26@iga.in.gov with any thoughts, questions, or concerns.
In service
State Rep. Chris Campbell
The early literacy program is essential to children in need. We all benefit from the educational growth in upcoming generations.
Thanks for your strong support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I encourage all Hoosiers to contact Governor Braun and have him encourage the General Assembly to fully fund this important preschool and elementary reading program.