Leaders at the local arm of Imagination Library, launched by legendary country singer Dolly Parton to ensure all children have access to free books to read at home, pledged to continue Parton’s mission following the announcement of her death on Tuesday.
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“Today, we mourn the loss of Dolly Parton — an extraordinary woman whose vision changed childhood for millions,” said Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director, Imagination Library of Washington. “Here in Washington, Dolly’s legacy will live through every book delivered, every story shared, and every child inspired to dream bigger.
“Dolly made a colossal impact on this world, and particularly on our children,” Fisher-Clark said. “We are committed to keeping her legacy alive in Washington State, alongside our local program partners, by ensuring our youngest learners continue to have the opportunity to receive a free Imagination Library book in the mail every month.
In a video announcing the singer’s death, Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver said: “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
In partnership with community partners, Imagination Library of Washington mails books directly to the homes of children from birth to age 5 each month to support and increase early literacy and school readiness. The library sends out books — including bilingual options — to kids in all 39 Washington counties regardless of family income. Despite then Lt. Gov. Denny Heck proclaiming Aug. 15 “Imagination Library of Washington Day” in 2023, the program faced a funding setback in 2025 when Washington’s 2025-27 operating budget did not include the state’s share of book costs and some local funding also disappeared. State funding was not returned when Washington supplemental 2025-27 budget was approved earlier this year, forcing service pauses in parts of the state.
Then on on July 31, Imagination Library of Washington announced that private grants would allow it to restore statewide service. The Roots & Wings Foundation committed $3 million over two years, while the John and Tami Marick Family Foundation provided the additional funding. The organization said the support would restore monthly book deliveries for about 40,000 children and push total enrollment across Washington above 100,000.
Interested in having books sent monthly to your child age 5 or under? Click here to enroll.
TAKE ACTION: According to the Imagination Library of Washington, it costs $31 to send a book to a child each month for one year. Consider supporting Dolly’s mission with a donation.
