The New York State Library has allocated nearly $500,000 in grants to support the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs across New York State. The funding, totaling $499,149, will be distributed among 20 organizations to support 25 local programs. These grants will cover up to half of the costs for participating libraries, schools, and nonprofit partners, aiming to make it easier for young children to access books.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a literacy initiative that delivers one free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth through age five, regardless of family income.
New York State Librarian Lauren Moore commented on the importance of the initiative, stating, “Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong learning and success, and every child deserves the chance to grow up with a love of books and stories. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library shows the power of putting books directly into children’s hands, and these grants help to extend that gift to families statewide. This program builds on the incredible work happening in libraries across New York, ensuring every child grows up surrounded by the magic of books and the endless possibilities they inspire.”
The 2025 grants range from $2,500 to $49,000 and are distributed among various rural, suburban, and urban communities throughout New York State. Among the recipients are Ardent Solutions, Inc., Binghamton City School District, Cassadaga Valley Central School, and United Way organizations in multiple counties. The funding aims to expand access to early childhood reading resources and support local efforts to foster literacy.
The New York State Library, founded in 1818, operates as the largest state library in the United States and oversees more than 7,000 libraries across New York. Its mission includes preserving historical collections, serving as a federal depository for government publications, and offering specialized services such as its Talking Book and Braille Library for eligible residents unable to use standard print materials. The library also maintains extensive digital collections accessible to researchers worldwide.
For additional information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library or to find local program partners, visit the Imagination Library website. More details about the New York State Library’s services and resources can be found on its official website.
