Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program Now Available Statewide in Kentucky
All Kentucky children 5 years old and under are now eligible to receive free books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, announced Governor Andy Beshear. The program, previously available in select areas, has expanded statewide thanks to dollar-match funding by Kentucky lawmakers and local community programs.
Funding from the Dolly Foundation, combined with state and local contributions, allows for high-quality books to be delivered to Kentucky children for just over $1 per child each month. Children 5 and under can receive a free age-appropriate book in the mail every month as part of the program.
Governor Beshear expressed pride in reaching this historic milestone for Kentucky’s children and encouraged parents and guardians to sign up for the Imagination Library. The state’s 124 local program partners have already mailed over 112,000 books to children in May alone.
Studies have shown that the program helps develop early literacy skills among children, making it a valuable resource for families. Since its inception in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has distributed 240 million free books to children in the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the UK, with over 3 million books delivered monthly.
Parents and family members can enroll children in the program to support their literacy development and foster a love of reading from a young age.