FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Indiana’s First Lady Maureen Braun has launched a high-profile campaign to secure the future of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across the state, stepping into the spotlight to preserve early childhood literacy efforts threatened by state budget proposals.
The initiative comes as proposed funding cuts put the program—beloved by educators, families, and book-loving children—at risk in Indiana.
Braun, wife of Governor Mike Braun, is partnering with community organizations and public officials in a bid to raise private and public funding to expand and stabilize the program’s footprint statewide.
“Reading opens up a world of imagination for kids,” Braun said in a news release. “Having books in the home benefits children in school and throughout their lives.”
The First Lady said she is “proud to champion this effort to keep Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library growing strong here in Indiana” and to help more Hoosier children build a lifelong love of reading.
Literacy on the Line
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, created in 1995 by the iconic country singer, mails one free book each month to enrolled children from birth to age five. The goal: to foster literacy by ensuring children from all backgrounds grow up surrounded by books.
The program operates in all 50 U.S. states but relies on a mix of public funding and local donations. In Indiana, it currently serves more than 87,000 children—but future support was thrown into question after early versions of the state budget failed to fully fund program expansion.
Braun’s initiative is a response to that uncertainty.
“She’s stepping up at a critical moment,” said Jeff Conyers, President and Vice Chair of The Dollywood Foundation. “Her commitment to ensuring the success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Indiana gives us confidence that this program will flourish—reaching more families, inspiring more children, and building a brighter future for generations to come.”
Allen County Leads with Early Support
Locally, communities have already started to rally. On Tuesday, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) announced it raised nearly $6,000 through a partnership with The Club Room at the Clyde Theatre.
“We connected with so many country fans and community members who were excited to see the program finally come to Allen County,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier.
Baier added that the response was “overwhelming” and reflected the county’s deep commitment to promoting literacy and giving children a “foundation for academic and economic success.”
Fundraising Snapshot
| Location | Recent Activity | Funds Raised |
|---|---|---|
| Allen County | Club Room + ACPL concert event | $5,870 |
| Statewide | First Lady’s new public-private campaign | Ongoing |
| Dollywood Foundation | Partnering to match community contributions | Varies by region |
The Budget Debate
The backdrop to Braun’s effort is an ongoing debate at the Indiana Statehouse about the role of public funding in early childhood education initiatives.
Though details of the proposed 2025–2027 budget remain fluid, several lawmakers have expressed concern that prioritizing charter school vouchers and infrastructure may leave fewer dollars for programs like the Imagination Library.
Some Republican legislators argue the program should be maintained but not expanded using state funds. Others—across party lines—are pushing for full funding, citing the program’s proven benefits in boosting kindergarten readiness, vocabulary development, and parent engagement.
Early education advocates point to research from multiple states showing that children enrolled in the Imagination Library are more likely to enter school with pre-literacy skills, especially in rural and low-income communities.
A Grassroots Push, Fueled by Star Power
Though founded by Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library runs quietly at the community level—making it both accessible and deeply reliant on local leadership.
Braun’s involvement, combined with renewed public attention, may be what the program needs to maintain momentum.
“We need people who are willing to step up and connect the dots between state leadership, philanthropy, and families,” said Lydia Spencer, an early childhood education coordinator in Bloomington. “That’s what the First Lady is doing.”
Braun is expected to appear at upcoming events in Terre Haute, Evansville, and South Bend as part of a speaking tour aimed at engaging both donors and families.
Meanwhile, the Dollywood Foundation continues to offer matching grants for new county chapters, an incentive intended to stimulate local investment and broaden access to the program.
What’s Next?
The Indiana General Assembly is expected to finalize the budget by mid-May. Advocates for the Imagination Library hope Braun’s campaign will influence legislators to include language preserving and expanding support for the initiative.
At the same time, grassroots groups are encouraging community members to give directly.
Those interested in learning more or contributing can visit the Imagination Library’s Indiana website or contact local libraries coordinating fundraising drives.
As First Lady Braun takes on a more active public role, she’s not just advocating for books—but for an Indiana where every child has the chance to read them.
