Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation have responded to the news of funding cuts for the Imagination Library, an initiative that sends children from birth to age five free books. The statement was released following the news that the state of Indiana is cutting the Imagination Library from their budget.
Parton began the Imagination Library programme in 1995 in honour of her father, who never learned to read or write. Under the scheme – which currently covers all 50 states, as well as children in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland – one free book is sent each month to every enrolled child from birth.
In 2018, Dolly Parton’s library programme celebrated its 100-millionth donation, and the library donates books to more than 125,000 children in Indiana alone each month. According to South Bend Tribune, The Imagination Library programme has been cited as part of why Indiana’s child literacy rates have increased from 19th to 6th nationwide.
Despite this incredible work, Republican governor Mike Braun has reportedly axed its 50% match funding to the programme. The reason behind the cuts has been stated as a purely money-saving need, however, Dolly Parton’s allyship to the LGBTQ+ community could also be speculated upon as a factor in the decision.
Jeff Conyers, the president of The Dollywood Foundation, said the scheme had “helped nurture a love of reading, given families precious moments of joy, and built a foundation for life-long learning.”
“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 programmes.”
“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.”
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