Visitors to the Indiana Statehouse this December will see something new in this year’s decorations — a display honoring early childhood literacy across the state.
First Lady Maureen Braun unveiled a first-of-its-kind Christmas display at the Statehouse featuring hand-painted ornaments that are designed to showcase participating Indiana counties and their local Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs.
The idea for the display originated earlier this year, when First Lady Braun sought a way to celebrate the thousands of Hoosier families, volunteers, and community partners who make the Imagination Library possible. Literacy is an important initiative for the First Lady.
“Every ornament on these trees represents a community that believes in the power of reading and the potential of every child. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is sparking wonder in young Hoosiers and uniting counties across Indiana. This display is an invitation for more Hoosiers to join us in helping give every child the gift of reading.” – First Lady Maureen Braun
With support from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Indiana, the First Lady contacted county partners in all 92 counties and sent each an unbreakable ornament with a request to decorate it in a way that reflects their county and their community’s Imagination Library. The ornaments were then shipped back at no cost to taxpayers or county partners thanks to a partnership with UPS and the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA).
The resulting ornaments now adorn one of three Christmas trees located in the Statehouse atrium. The book ornaments on the tree were handmade by friends of First Lady Braun, who also helped decorate the trees.
The First Lady also sewed the tree skirt using fabric from her home to symbolize The Coat of Many Colors, honoring the story behind Dolly Parton’s childhood coat. Beneath the trees, Imagination Library books wrapped with ribbon resemble presents waiting to be opened.
County partners are invited to visit the Statehouse on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. to view the display and see their ornaments showcased in this one-of-a-kind celebration of literacy, community, and the holiday spirit.
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