Dolly Parton's Imagination Library loses state funding, affecting local nonprofits
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a youth literacy program, lost funding in Washington, affecting four Skagit County nonprofits.
The Imagination Library provides monthly books to children up to age 5 in five countries and delivers about three million books a month.
It's recognized for advancing school readiness, expanding equitable access to high-quality books, and sparking a lifelong love of reading.
The Imagination Library of Washington, a nonprofit, carries out the Imagination Library mission throughout the state.
Despite advocacy from partners, families and early learning supporters in the state, funding for the Imagination Library of Washington was not included in the state's 2026 supplemental operating budget, which was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on April 1.
The Imagination Library of Washington works with 44 program partners in nearly all counties and serves about 85,000 children.
The program partners are responsible for half the cost of Imagination Library books in their counties. Imagination Library of Washington pays the other half, keeping the program free for all families.
The Imagination Library of Washington will continue paying its half through June 30, but will then pause funding until efforts to restore the funding can be made during the 2027 state legislative session.
United Way of Skagit County, and the Fidalgo Island, Anacortes and La Conner Rotary clubs are all affected by the loss of state funding.
For United Way of Skagit County, the program mailed 1,702 books in April alone and 1,084 children have graduated since the nonprofit's program was launched.
"These aren't just numbers - they represent kids who grew up with books in their hands because this community made it possible," said Andrew Miller, CEO of United Way of Skagit County.
Miller said the organization is determined to keep the program going.
"We're not walking away from youth literacy. We're actively looking at funding alternatives and innovative program models that could keep this work going," Miller said.
La Conner Rotary Club member Audrey Gravly is also assistant governor for four local clubs, including La Conner, Fidalgo Island, Anacortes and San Juan Island.
"We were supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library before the state of Washington provided funding and it is likely we will continue to do so even without their support. We believe that early access to books is essential for childhood learning and development," Gravly said.
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