First Lady, Dolly Parton Announce Statewide Expansion of “Imagination Library”

HELENA, Mont. –  Montana’s first lady, Susan Gianforte has announced the statewide launch of the Imagination Library of Montana in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The non-profit program aims to boost early childhood literacy by providing free high-quality, age-appropriate books to Montana children.

Boosting literacy to empower more Montana children and promoting and expanding access to STEM education, particularly for girls and students in our rural communities, are First Lady Susan Gianforte’s chief initiatives.

“Literacy is critical for our kids and their development. When parents read to their kids or when a child reads, it engages them, it fires their imagination, and sparks their curiosity,” she said. “Working together, we’ll make sure all our youngest kids have access to reading resources so they can dream, grow, and reach their full potential.”

The program is already in place in some areas of the state. The new partnership will expand it to all 56 counties.

Dolly Parton said, “I’m so excited to be launching my Imagination Library statewide in Montana! I want to send my very special thanks to First Lady Susan Gianforte for her partnership in making this amazing gift available to children and families across the state.”

Through the partnership, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will provide a free book each month to any Montana child, ages 0 to 5 years old, who is registered with the organization. A child may be registered HERE.

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has given over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. The program is funded by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Program Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to enrolled children from birth to age five.

Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.