Chicago City Wire

On June 13, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced inclusion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library foundation with his new 2024 fiscal year budget, earmarking $1.6 million to the program that touts itself as being dedicated to improving the lives of children by advancing a love of reading.

“Imagination Libraries are already working their magic at a few dozen locations around the state, and the teamwork of my administration and the Dollywood Foundation will make it possible to bring Dolly to every doorstep,” said Pritzker, according to WQAD8. “As a longtime early childhood advocate, I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come. These are some of the most crucial years for learning of a person’s lifetime, and this initiative will connect low-income families to resources their children will need for lifelong success.”

The program distributes free books to children up to age 5, no matter their family’s income. The Imagination Library program is supported the Dollywood Foundation founded by Dolly Parton in 1988 as a nonprofit.

Roots for The Imagination Library Program date back to 1995, with books being delivered to children that are registered with and a part of the program now being replicated across the country.

Pritzker’s new budget also includes $250 million being set aside for the Smart Start Illinois Plan that includes a $75 million increase for the Early Childhood Block Grant to create 5,000 new preschool seats next year, $130 million increase in childcare funding to support the creation of new Childcare Workforce Compensation Contracts and a $40 million increase for Early Intervention aimed at providing increased access to therapeutic services.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to discover worlds beyond their imagination. Leaders who put education first make this possible," Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton said. "Thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children in every corner of Illinois can receive free books mailed directly to their home. I applaud early childhood advocates like Dolly Parton, who are helping our children find joy in reading and creating future generations of avid readers.”