INDIANA — Indiana will no longer provide state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, which gifts books monthly to children aged five and under. Governor Mike Braun’s office announced that his wife, Maureen Braun, will lead an effort to secure private funding for the program.
The Dollywood Foundation reports that 125,000 Indiana children are enrolled in Imagination Library. Governor Braun said his wife will collaborate with philanthropic partners and state leadership to identify funding opportunities. Details on this private fundraising initiative were not immediately available.
This decision comes after Governor Holcomb advocated for the program’s expansion in 2023, leading to a $6 million matching grant approved by state lawmakers. However, recent budget discussions saw the Indiana Legislature decline to continue funding the program.
This decision drew criticism from some Democratic representatives, including Rep. Wendy Dant Chester, who emphasized the program’s importance in addressing literacy challenges. Representatives Ed DeLaney and Gregory W. Porter also voiced their support for continued state funding.
Despite the state’s decision, some communities are taking action to preserve the program locally.
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