Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Makes Plea to Indiana Governor to Restore Program’s Budget

Dolly Parton has called on Indiana Governor Mike Braun to reconsider his decision to cut funding for her charitable Imagination Library initiative.

“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,“ Jeff Conyers, vice chair and president of the Dollywood Foundation, which oversees Imagination Library, shared in a statement to Rolling Stone. “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.”

His statement continued, “Indiana’s leaders have the opportunity right now, during this legislative session, to reaffirm their commitment to our Imagination Library partnership and the future of the state’s youngest children. We are currently seeking to work closely with key decision-makers to ensure that every child in Indiana, no matter where they live, can continue to receive the gift of books each month — free to their families and full of possibility.”

According to the South Bend Tribune, legislators in the Indiana House of Representatives proposed a budget recently that does not include its typical 50 percent matching funds to finance the program. The other half of funding is provided by the United Way and local foundations, making it difficult for Imagination Library to meet their funding needs if the state cuts its contribution.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in Tennessee and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Imagination Library programs exist in all 50 states and 5 countries around the world, mailing over 3 million books in the hands of children each month. The program aims to provide high-quality, age-appropriate books free of charge to children from birth to age five.

The reason for Republican legislators’ proposed budget cutting the funding remains unclear.