Governor Braun announces First Lady initiative to secure continued funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library through public-private partnership

Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM

Governor Braun values literacy and learning and to that end, he has asked First Lady Maureen Braun to spearhead an initiative to keep Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Indiana. First Lady Braun will work with philanthropic partners and in consultation with state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program.

“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.

"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.”

"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, President of The Dollywood Foundation.