Company Directory - Imagination Library
Company Details - Imagination Library

Imagination Library
WebsiteImagination Library is a book gifting program that aims to foster a love of reading among young children. The program mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they turn five years old, encouraging literacy and promoting early childhood education.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Imagination Library
70.52
-0.04%
Latest Event
Indiana Defunding Threats Spur Vocal Defense by Imagination Library Leadership
On February 21, 2025, the Indiana state legislature's proposal to remove state funding for the Imagination Library—a free book program founded by Dolly Parton—has placed the program in jeopardy. In response, Dolly Parton and representatives of the Dollywood Foundation have publicly decried the funding cut, arguing that the move undermines access to essential literacy resources and reflects an authoritarian approach to budgeting that targets broadly beneficial community investments.
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LEADER
Imagination Library is currently rated as a Leader.
Latest Events
- FEB212025
On February 21, 2025, the Indiana state legislature's proposal to remove state funding for the Imagination Library—a free book program founded by Dolly Parton—has placed the program in jeopardy. In response, Dolly Parton and representatives of the Dollywood Foundation have publicly decried the funding cut, arguing that the move undermines access to essential literacy resources and reflects an authoritarian approach to budgeting that targets broadly beneficial community investments.
+60
Executive Political Engagement
April 5
Dolly Parton, a central figure associated with Imagination Library, publicly opposed the state’s defunding plan, framing it as a harmful move against community literacy and inclusivity. Her active engagement in the political discourse on the budget, calling out what many view as an authoritarian approach to public funding, earns a positive score under Executive Political Engagement.
Dolly Parton Speaks Out About Indiana’s Plan to Defund Her Child Literacy Program
- FEB212025
The article reports that Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s proposed 2025-2027 budget excludes the traditional 50% state funding match for the Imagination Library, a public-private partnership. In response, Dolly Parton and her foundation, alongside local nonprofits, are mobilizing to urge lawmakers to reinstate funding, thus safeguarding the literacy program that has significantly boosted early childhood education.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
April 5
The advocacy led by Dolly Parton against the defunding decision is a clear stand against policies that could undermine social welfare and equitable public-private partnerships. Her intervention promotes progressive values by seeking to protect a program that enhances literacy and supports community education, thus opposing authoritarian fiscal measures.
- FEB212025
In response to proposed state budget cuts that marked the first time in its 30‐year history that funding would be withdrawn, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (via the Dollywood Foundation) expressed appreciation for Governor Braun’s commitment. The statement emphasized a readiness to work with state leadership, including First Lady Maureen Braun and philanthropic partners, to secure necessary funding and continue promoting early childhood literacy.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
April 5
The Imagination Library, represented by the Dollywood Foundation’s statement, actively engaged with state political leadership by endorsing the governor’s proposed initiative to secure funding. This proactive stance in preserving educational support through collaboration with democratic and progressive state actors is seen as a positive, anti-authoritarian move that supports community and early childhood education.
Indiana budget concerns rise over Dolly Parton Imagination Library funding
- FEB202025
On February 20, 2025, Dolly Parton, the founder behind Imagination Library, issued a rare political statement calling on Indiana Governor Mike Braun to restore the state’s funding match for the program. Her appeal was rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed, highlighting the critical role of the program in promoting early childhood education and literacy.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
April 5
Dolly Parton’s public critique of Governor Mike Braun for cutting the funding match signals a strong stance against authoritarian fiscal decisions that undermine community educational programs. By advocating for restored funding, Parton’s actions support marginalized communities and promote progressive, anti-authoritarian values, which is significant in the current political climate.
- FEB202025
Dolly Parton publicly urged Indiana Governor Mike Braun to reverse a budget proposal that would defund the Imagination Library, emphasizing the program's role in supporting early childhood literacy and community unity.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 5
Dolly Parton’s public challenge to defunding represents a robust defense of a community-focused, educational initiative. Her intervention helps safeguard a program that fosters literacy and social cohesion, countering political moves that could be seen as undermining public investment in education. This act aligns with anti-authoritarian and progressive values by ensuring that funds are directed to benefit vulnerable communities rather than partisan budget cuts.
Dolly Parton Challenges Indiana Governor Over Defunding Her Imagination Library
- FEB102025
A proposed Indiana House Bill 1001 threatens to cut the funding reserved for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, potentially endangering its mission to promote early childhood literacy and education.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 5
The proposed bill represents an authoritarian policy move that targets a public good by cutting funding to a program that encourages literacy and benefits marginalized communities. While the Imagination Library itself has not taken overt political actions, being targeted by such measures emphasizes its role as a community asset aligned with progressive values. This judicial and political attack on public education infrastructure merits a strong positive score from an anti-fascist perspective.
Proposed bill jeopardizes Dolly Parton Imagination Library funding
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