California Expands Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to All 58 Counties
California has expanded its partnership with singer-songwriter Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library program.
The program will now be available in all 58 counties. Until now, 30 counties have participated in Imagination Library. As a result, every California child under the age of 5 will be eligible for a free book in either English or Spanish each month.
This is the first time a state has offered a fully bilingual book option for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, according to the governor’s office.
“Dolly Parton unites us through her music — and through her commitment to helping all kids develop a love for reading,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “With this statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, California is on track to put more free books in children’s hands than any other state in the nation — broadening millions of young minds to a world of unlimited possibilities.”
Parton issued the following statement:
“I’m so thrilled at the overwhelming support to make my Imagination Library available to every child in California! I want to thank Senator Shannon Grove and Senator Toni Atkins for inspiring tremendous support from California legislators and Governor Gavin Newsom for enthusiastically signing this bill. Today is an amazing milestone for children and families across the state! We still have a lot of work to do, but together we can inspire a love of reading in children across California that will last a lifetime.”
Read more at the Sacramento Bee.
