Indiana First Lady to Raise Money for Dolly Parton鈥檚 Library Program
Advocates in New York, where Parton鈥檚 Imagination Library is available in 79 locations, want Gov. Hochul to take the program statewide.
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After slashing a popular reading program from the budget, Gov. Mike Braun said Friday he asked First Lady Maureen Braun to spearhead an initiative to keep Dolly Parton鈥檚 Imagination Library in Indiana.
鈥淪he has agreed and she will work with philanthropic partners and in consultation with state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program,鈥� the governor said in a news release.
The program gifts free, high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income.
Former Gov. Eric Holcomb included a statewide expansion of the program in his 2023 legislative agenda. The General Assembly earmarked $6 million for the program in the state鈥檚 last biennial budget 鈥� $2 million in the first year and $4 million in the second 鈥� to ensure that all Hoosier kids qualify to receive free books.
But when Gov. Braun prepared his budget proposal in January he discontinued the funding as part of an overall effort to rein in state spending.
鈥淚 am honored to lead this work to help ensure our youngest Hoosiers have as much exposure as possible to books and learning,鈥� said First Lady Maureen Braun. 鈥淚ndiana has many strong community partners and I am confident we will collaborate on a solution that grows children鈥檚 love of reading.鈥�
Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, said he appreciates Braun鈥檚 commitment to early childhood literacy.
鈥淭he Imagination Library brings the joy of reading to over 125,000 Hoosier children each month in all 92 counties across the state, and we are encouraged by Governor and First Lady Braun鈥檚 support to ensure its future in Indiana. We look forward to working with the Governor and First Lady, state leaders, and Local Program Partners to keep books in the hands of Indiana鈥檚 youngest learners and strengthen this foundation for a lifetime of success,鈥� he said.
is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: [email protected].
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