President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Missouri has announced the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, allowing all children under five to register for the program. The initiative aims to inspire a love of reading by providing age-appropriate books monthly, free of charge. Registration is open with no deadline, and books will be mailed directly to registered children's homes.
Dolly Parton expressed her excitement about the expansion, saying, "I was so excited to hear that now every child in Missouri is eligible for my Imagination Library!" She thanked various contributors including the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood and Governor Parson for their involvement.
Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven highlighted the significance of early exposure to reading: “Ensuring young children are exposed to reading early in life sets students up for success down the road, and access to high-quality books is a huge part of that process.” Vandeven noted Missouri's unique position as the 14th state with such a program, emphasizing that no other state has been fully funded from its inception.
Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson shared their support: “We are proud to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring quality educational resources to more Missouri children and help inspire a passion for reading and learning.” They stressed the importance of early access to quality books in shaping children's futures.
Previously available in some areas through 57 local affiliates serving over 17,000 children, those currently registered will automatically transition into the statewide program. This expansion was facilitated by Section 178.694, RSMo, along with $11 million allocated in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
Since its inception in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has distributed over 200 million free books worldwide. It operates through partnerships between The Dollywood Foundation and local or state entities. Penguin Random House serves as the exclusive publisher for this initiative aimed at fostering early childhood development and literacy skills.
For more information on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library or media inquiries regarding promotional materials, visit ImaginationLibrary.com.
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