Following today’s announcement from Tennessee legislative leaders, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) is celebrating a proposed investment.
A big change could be coming for families across Tennessee who love Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Tennessee leaders just announced a plan to fully fund book and mailing costs for the Imagination Library statewide starting in 2027. Right now, the program uses a mix of public and private money, with the state, through Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, paying for half the books and mailing and local partners taking care of the rest. This investment still needs to pass through the state budget process before it becomes official.
James Pond, president and CEO of Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, shared his excitement about the proposal.
This proposed investment is a powerful commitment to Dolly’s legacy and to Tennessee children. We’re grateful to state leaders for their continued investment in early literacy and their trust in GELF to steward this funding statewide. Tennessee has long led the way in expanding access to books for young children, and this commitment will help strengthen that work for generations to come. We hope it also sets the standard for what’s possible and inspires organizations and individuals across Tennessee to invest boldly alongside GELF in creating even more opportunities for children to read, learn and thrive,” said Pond.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been available statewide in Tennessee since 2004, covering all 95 counties, making Tennessee the first in the country to do so.
Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation partners with the Imagination Library to help kids from birth through third grade get books and literacy resources at home, in school, and throughout their communities.
This proposed investment marks another step in Tennessee’s effort to boost early literacy for children across the state.
