Indianapolis, Indiana – Governor Mike Braun has announced a new initiative to ensure the continued success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Indiana. The program, which provides free books to children across the state, will now be the focus of a public-private funding effort led by First Lady Maureen Braun.
Recognizing the importance of early childhood literacy, Governor Braun has tasked the First Lady with working alongside philanthropic partners and state leaders to identify sustainable funding sources for the program.
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“I have asked my gracious wife, First Lady Maureen Braun, to spearhead an initiative to keep Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Indiana. She has agreed and she will work with philanthropic partners and in consultation with state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program,” shared Gov. Mike Braun.
The Imagination Library has been instrumental in fostering a love of reading among Indiana’s youngest residents. Currently, the program reaches more than 125,000 children every month in all 92 counties, delivering free books to help develop literacy skills from an early age.
“I am honored to lead this work to help ensure our youngest Hoosiers have as much exposure as possible to books and learning,” said First Lady Maureen Braun. “Indiana has many strong community partners and I am confident we will collaborate on a solution that grows children’s love of reading.”
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The announcement has been met with strong support from education advocates and literacy organizations. Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation, praised Governor Braun and the First Lady for their leadership in securing the program’s future.
“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. The 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’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,” stated Jeff Conyers.
The initiative aims to secure long-term funding through a collaborative approach, engaging both public and private sector partners. This effort will ensure that Hoosier children continue to benefit from the literacy program for years to come.
Governor Braun’s administration remains committed to promoting education and literacy as key pillars for the state’s future. With the First Lady at the helm of this initiative, Indiana is taking significant steps to maintain and expand a program that has already made a profound impact on children’s learning experiences.
For more information on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how to support the initiative, interested parties can visit the program’s website or contact the Governor’s office.
