Kentucky’s 120 Counties Celebrate $100,000 Gift to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—Here’s What It Means for Kids!

In an exciting announcement that will impact young readers across Kentucky, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky has received a generous $100,000 donation. This gift, announced by the Kentucky Association of Health Plans on Monday morning, will ensure that more children in the state have access to books that will fuel their imagination and support their literacy development.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a beloved non-profit initiative founded by the iconic country music legend, aims to provide free books to children from birth until the age of five. The program is designed to nurture early childhood literacy and ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s income, has the chance to grow up with a love for reading. With the new $100,000 donation, even more children in Kentucky’s 120 counties will receive a monthly book, creating opportunities for learning, growth, and discovery.

Katherine North, a representative from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, shared the importance of the gift: “It’s the curling up on a lap, it’s having something of your own, it’s flipping through the pages and being inspired, it’s wonderful seeds we’re planting into our youth.” The joy of receiving a book, she emphasized, is not just about reading—it’s about creating lasting memories and fostering a deep connection to the world of literature.

This generous donation means that more Kentucky children will experience the magic of books. From rural counties to urban centers, the Imagination Library ensures that no child is left behind when it comes to literacy. The program, which provides one free book per month to children, is a crucial part of the state’s effort to increase educational equity and access to learning resources.

One young recipient, Hank Suttles, expressed his excitement: “Sometimes I get free magazines, and sometimes I get free books!” Hank’s cheerful statement, shared alongside First Lady Britainy Beshear, perfectly captures the excitement and joy that comes with receiving these free books.

This donation represents not just a financial contribution, but a commitment to the future of Kentucky’s children. The books sent through the Imagination Library cover a variety of topics, from ABCs and numbers to adventure stories and imaginative tales. Each book is carefully chosen to be age-appropriate and help children build essential skills for school and life.

For many children, the Imagination Library is their first introduction to reading, and the $100,000 donation will help continue the expansion of this incredible program. Dolly Parton’s passion for literacy and her belief in the power of books to transform lives is at the heart of this initiative, and the impact is felt not only in Kentucky but across the world.

As the Queen of Country herself says, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Thanks to this generous gift, countless young minds in Kentucky will be inspired to explore the world through the pages of books, setting them on a path of lifelong learning and discovery.

So, here’s to Kentucky’s 120 counties, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the many children whose futures will be brighter, one book at a time!