LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now available statewide in Indiana, but questions remain about how long the program can be sustained.
Every child under the age of 5 in Indiana is eligible to receive a one free, age-appropriate book each month through the library. The program is now officially available in all 92 counties, Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun said in a video announcement Wednesday.
"Receiving books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library fosters a love of reading and creates meaningful family memories to last a lifetime," Braun said.
However, the milestone comes after state lawmakers cut all state funding for the library last year, forcing organizers to rely on private donations to keep it running.
Since then, Braun said she raised nearly $5 million in private funding to sustain the program and continue its growth.
Lawmakers said they appreciate those efforts but worry the funding may not be enough long-term.
“She is to be commended for that work,” said State Rep. Gregory W. Porter, D-Indianapolis.
Still, Porter said access alone does not solve deeper challenges.
“I understand that we want to address the achievement gap when it comes to literacy, but the opportunity gap is very important to us also,” he said.
Porter added that only about a third of eligible children in Indiana are currently enrolled in the program.
According to the state library, it will take roughly $5 million to keep the program running through 2027. However, the Dollywood Foundation estimates closer to $7 million will be needed to meet its goal of enrolling 270,000 children in the state.
State Democrats said they plan to push to restore funding for the program during the next legislative session.
To register your child for the Imagination Library, click here.
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