Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program expanding to every area in Kentucky
Dolly Parton’s desire to get books in the hands of the youngest Kentuckians is coming true.
Her Imagination Library Program, launched in 1995 by the legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, announced this week it has expanded to every ZIP code in Kentucky.
The program offers free books monthly to kids 5 and under, no matter their family’s income. The goal of the program: Inspire a love of reading by making books available to young children in all corners of the commonwealth.
State funding helped ensure statewide coverage. Community partners raise 50% of the program’s funds while the state provides the other half.
The Fayette Education Foundation is the local partner for Fayette County.
Over 5 million books have been delivered in Kentucky since 2001, and approximately 36% of Kentucky’s preschool-age children are enrolled in the program, according to the program’s website.
The program launched about 30 years ago in Parton’s native east Tennessee home. It has expanded to many U.S. states along with Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Ireland.
This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 4:01 PM.
