Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Gets Major Boost From State Senate

Dolly Parton is more than just one of the most legendary country music stars alive today. She’s also a devoted philanthropist who gives back to the world in a way that few celebrities take the time to do.

Parton’s Imagination Library Gets Good News

Thirty years ago, Parton launched her Imagination Library in the hopes of improving literacy among children. This organization allows kids under the age of 5 to enroll to have books mailed to their homes each month.

And it’s a big deal. These days, the Imagination Library sends out more than two million books every month. Since its inception, the Imagination Library has sent out more than 240 million books!

This week, Parton’s Imagination Library got some very good news when the Ohio Senate’s passed Senate Bill 290. This legislation will create a special “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” license plate. All proceeds of it will go to the Imagination Library!

Senate Bill 290 Gets Bipartisan Support

The bipartisan bill was championed by Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood)

“I am proud to have the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library license plate pass unanimously out of the Senate,” Antonio said in a statement. “As a parent and former educator, I have been pleased to work with the governor on this important piece of legislation that will benefit children across the state. I also want to thank Ohio’s First Lady Fran DeWine for championing this program.”

State Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin) also supported the bill.

“Readers are leaders,” Kunze said in a statement of her own. “The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a wonderful program that I have supported for years. This legislation brings awareness to child literacy, and I am grateful to Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio for bringing this bill to committee. I look forward to seeing these plates on vehicles across the Buckeye State in the future.”

Related: Dolly Parton Is Doing Something Amazing For Kids In 21 States

Imagination Library License Plates

Each license plate features Parton’s likeness alongside the Imagination Library logo. The license plates can be purchased for $25.

The reading program is a smashing success – with children who take part in the Imagination Library program seeing a 15.4% increase in Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in just three years from 42.9% to 58.3%. 

“Ensuring that young children in Ohio can read and write is integral for providing a path to success,” Antonio said when she first presented the bill over the summer. “Dolly Parton has always been a fierce advocate for children and worked to bring kids in Ohio free books through the Imagination Library program.

“Purchasing this license plate creates an opportunity for Ohioans to demonstrate support for the Imagination Library,” she continued. “These unique license plates will, in turn, support the program.”

Related: Dolly Parton, 78, Questions If She’s ‘Still Considered A Country Artist’ In Pop Culture

Parton’s Proud Of Her Imagination Library

As for Parton herself, she sees the Imagination Library as her greatest accomplishment in life. Indeed, she puts it above all the achievements that she’s had in music.

“Of course I want to be known as a songwriter and a singer, but I honestly can say that the Imagination Library has meant as much, if not more, to me than nearly anything that I’ve ever done,” Parton said earlier this year.

SB 290 will now move to the Ohio House of Representatives. It’s hoped that it will be passed there before the end of December so that Ohio drivers can get their hands on these iconic license plates as soon as possible!