Indiana Ends Funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Seeks Private Donors

Indiana government has announced it will no longer support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program. Instead, Gov. Mike Braun's wife, Maureen Braun, will lead an effort to secure private funding for the project, which gifts books monthly to children 5 and younger who have signed up.

"125,000 Hoosier children have signed up and joined Imagination Library," said Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation.

Gov. Braun stated that his wife "will work with philanthropic partners and in consultation with state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program." No additional details were provided.

Imagination Library was previously expanded in Indiana in 2023, thanks to a $6 million matching grant from the state. This allowed the program to reach every county in Indiana.

However, this year's budget proposal did not include funding for the program. Some Democrat representatives have been critical of this decision, citing the importance of early literacy programs like Imagination Library.

"I've received more calls from Hoosiers in my area about restoring this funding than any other cut in the state budget," said Rep. Wendy Dant Chester, D-Jeffersonville. "As of 2023, 1 in 5 third graders lacked basic reading skills. This program is a much-needed investment in Indiana's future."

Rep. Ed DeLaney and Rep. Gregory W. Porter, both D-Indianapolis, also voiced support for the state government to continue its support of Imagination Library.

In the absence of state funding, at least two Indianapolis-area counties have taken steps to keep Imagination Library operational. The Community Foundation of Hancock County has fully endowed and paid for the program in their county, while the Johnson County Community Foundation awarded $15,000 to Imagination Library of Johnson County.