(Indianapolis, IN) – Governor Mike Braun says First Lady Maureen Braun will lead an initiative to secure continued funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Indiana.
Funding for the program, founded nearly 30 years ago by Parton, is on the chopping block in the Governor’s proposed state budget.
The program aims to promote early literacy by providing children with a free book each month until they turn five.
Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter and actress urged Governor Braun last week to reverse his decision to eliminate state spending for Imagination Library.
The First Lady will work with philanthropic partners and state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program.
“I am honored to lead this work to help ensure our youngest Hoosiers have as much exposure as possible to books and learning,” said Mrs. Braun. “Indiana has many strong community partners and I am confident we will collaborate on a solution that grows children’s love of reading.”
Governor Braun says he is committed to early childhood literacy and praised the Imagination Library’s positive impact on over 125,000 Hoosier children in all 92 counties.
“I deeply appreciate Governor Braun’s commitment to early childhood literacy and the leadership of First Lady Maureen Braun in championing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” said Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers. “We are encouraged by Governor and First Lady Braun’s 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’s youngest learners and strengthen this foundation for a lifetime of success.”
