Indiana First Lady Launches Fundraising for Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Indianapolis, IN – Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun announced a new fundraising initiative to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children from birth to age five.

This effort comes more than two months after Governor Mike Braun charged his wife with keeping the program alive. The Imagination Library has previously relied on $6 million in funding from former Governor Eric Holcomb, along with contributions from local partners. However, this funding was eliminated and not reinstated by legislators.

In her launch, Maureen Braun emphasized the importance of reading for children’s development. “Reading opens up a world of imagination for kids. Having books in the home helps children do better in school and will benefit them throughout their lives,” she said.

The initiative establishes a public-private partnership, which aims to collaborate with philanthropic organizations and state leaders to generate support and maintain the program’s sustainability. “We are honored to work alongside First Lady Maureen Braun to bring the magic of books into more homes across Indiana,” said Jeff Conyers, President and Vice Chair of The Dollywood Foundation.

The partnership aims to enroll more children across Indiana’s 92 counties. To learn more about the initiative or to donate, visit the Indiana State Library Foundation’s website.