Funding cuts to Dolly Parton program could leave thousands of children without books

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMissouri is reducing state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an early childhood reading program that mails free books to young children. The funding cut, part of Missouri's 2027 education budget reductions, means the program will no longer accept new enrollments starting July 1. Over 170,000 children in Missouri currently receive books, but existing funds may only last about four more months, potentially leading to a loss of monthly books for them. The Dollywood Foundation, which runs the program, stated it will not renew its contract with Missouri at the reduced funding level, leaving the program's future uncertain. While children already enrolled will continue receiving books for now, local organizations may need to step in to fund and coordinate the program if state support is not restored. In fullMissouri slashes funding for Dolly Parton’s free book programThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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