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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Will Provide Free Books To Every Child In Montana

June 5, 2023

Every child in Montana will have access to free books courtesy of Dolly Parton in partnership with the state's first lady, Susan Gianforte.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book gifting program that aims to promote childhood literacy and a love for reading. The program provides free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of their family's income. By providing free books and promoting early reading habits, the program seeks to improve educational outcomes and create a foundation for a lifelong love of learning in young children.

"I'm so excited to be launching my Imagination Library statewide in Montana!" said Parton in a release from the Governor's Office on Friday. "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."

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.

"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," Gianforte said.

To date, the Imagination Library has gifted over 206 million books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland.