OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal is asking the state legislature and Gov. Bob Ferguson to fully restore funding to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program following the country music star’s passing.
“Dolly Parton was a great legend and role model of a greater humanity,” Reykdal said. “Our Imagination Library is a direct result of our partnership with her. We are all better because of her life of caring and compassion.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has given free books to millions of children from birth to age 5 over the past 30 years. It currently operates in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
In Washington, tens of thousands of children receive free books sent right to their homes courtesy of the Imagination Library.
Last year, the Imagination Library was not included in the state’s most recent budget. The state typically paid for 50% of the book costs for this program.
In June of 2025, superintendent Reykdal was able to use discretionary funds to keep the program operating for another year.
Last month, the Imagination Library of Washington secured grants that helped restore access to the program for about 40,000 children and return the program to full statewide coverage. In total, there are about 100,000 children enrolled in the program in Washington.
To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Washington, click here.
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