Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Trouble? What’s True—and What’s Not—After Her Death
Online, rumors are swirling—here's what's actually happening to the program
Key Takeaways
- Some states cut Imagination Library funding, but those cuts predate Dolly's death.
- Missouri and Maine have all reduced or ended state funding for the program.
- You can donate directly to the Imagination Library or your state's chapter.
One of Dolly Parton’s most memorable creations is her Imagination Library. Inspired by Dolly’s illiterate father Robert Lee Parton, the organization gives free books to children across the world. After the singer’s death, people have been wondering what will happen to Dolly’s Imagination Library. Some online accounts are claiming that funding for the program is already being cut, whereas others are wondering if they can donate to the program in Dolly’s honor. So what’s true and what’s not? And where does the library stand now that Dolly has died? We share everything you need to know below.
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was founded in 1995 through the Dollywood Foundation in Sevier County, Tennessee. It gives children one free book a month from birth to kindergarten. There are no income or financial restrictions to enroll in the program, but people must live in a participating community to qualify.
“Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission. In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to well over 3 million children,” Dolly wrote in a letter to fans. “Of course, I have not done this alone. The real heroes of our story are the thousands of local organizations who have embraced my dream and made it their own. They raise millions of dollars each year and wake up every day with a passion to make sure their kids have every opportunity to succeed.”
To date, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has given away more than 332 million books. The books are purchased by The Dollywood Foundation and local community partners, such as nonprofits, local governments or school districts. The library is currently active in all 50 states, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in jeopardy?
Following Dolly’s death, rumors began swirling that cuts were being made to the program. But is that actually true? The answer is a bit complicated. Yes, funding for the program is being cut in some states, but those decisions were made before Dolly’s death.
Last year, Indiana decided to remove funding for the program from their budget. The state has since received philanthropic donations to keep the program going. Missouri also cut funding for the program, according to their latest fiscal budgets. Maine also ended funding for the Imagination Library in June of this year. Kentucky proposed doing something similar, but the idea was scrapped after lawmakers received backlash from the public.
“If there’s one thing that we’ve learned in this process, it’s that no one has better name ID or positive ID than Dolly Parton,” Senator Christian McDaniel, who serves as Chair of the Senate Revenue and Appropriations Committee in Kentucky said in March of this year, according to WKYT. “The full funding with the existing match of 50 percent is in the budget also with additional language trying to increase the participation for low-income and foster care communities.”
So what does all of that mean? Since the Imagination Library relies on funding from both the Dollywood Foundation and local communities, budget cuts could mean that fewer children receive free books. It could also mean that there are fewer books to give out.
Dollywood has commented on the cuts, telling Newsweek in a statement, “Our focus remains on honoring Dolly’s legacy by continuing the work she cared so deeply about—working alongside our partners to inspire a love of reading and ensure children continue receiving the gift of books.”
How to help Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
To help Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continue its work, you can make a donation on their website. You can also mail a check to The Dollywood Foundation C/O Finance Department at 111 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor, Sevierville, TN. 37862. If you prefer to donate to your specific state, that can be done as well. Just search for your state’s name and then “Imagination Library” into your preferred search browser. This will take you to their website, which will detail how to donate.
“Just $31 sponsors one child for a full year, delivering 12 high-quality, age-appropriate books right to their home,” reads Ohio’s Imagination Library website. “429,000 books each month to children across Ohio—made possible by generous support from the Ohio General Assembly, local program partners, corporations, foundations and donors like you. As more children enroll, additional funding is needed to keep the program free for families.”
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