- Dolly Parton Slams Indiana’s Plan to Slash Imagination Library, the program sends free books monthly to 125,000 Indiana kids.
- Indiana’s literacy ranking jumped from 19th to 6th with initiative.
- Governor Braun’s budget drops state’s 50 percent funding match.
Dolly Parton is taking a stand against Indiana’s Republican Governor Mike Braun over a concerning budget proposal that threatens to cut funding for her cherished Imagination Library program.
This well-known initiative, which provides free books to children under five every month, has significantly improved childhood literacy in Indiana.
Now, it faces potential elimination, and Parton is speaking out.
“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’s success is clear—helping Indiana’s child literacy ranking jump from 19th to 6th in the nation.
For the past two years, Indiana has proudly collaborated with Parton, delivering books to over 125,000 children each month. “Together, we’ve fostered a love of reading, provided families with cherished moments, and laid the groundwork for lifelong learning,” her statement continued. The cost?
Just $30 per child annually, with the state covering half—around $1 a month per child. However, Braun’s new budget eliminates that 50 percent match, leaving local organizations like United Way in a tough spot. Critics argue that this is a harsh cut, especially given Indiana’s $51.3 billion budget.
Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995, motivated by her father’s struggles with reading, and it now distributes over two million books worldwide each month. In Indiana, the program reaches every county, with 10,000 children in St. Joseph County alone enrolled.
“The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it brings us all together—regardless of political views—because every child deserves the opportunity to dream big and achieve success,”
her team emphasized.
Outgoing Governor Eric Holcomb even commended the program in January, suggesting a visit from Parton to celebrate its impact. Now, fans and advocates are calling on Braun to reconsider this decision—will he heed the country legend’s plea and ensure the books keep coming?
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Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
