On April 26 the finalized version of the state’s 2025-27 operating budget was released, with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Washington being cut entirely. The state allocated $2.5 million for the program in the previous 2023-25 budget. Now, over 121,000 Washington youth up to age 5 may be impacted, and the library could close entirely if a critical funding gap of $7 million is not closed.
“We are currently seeking funding support from the public to help our program survive to ensure Washington children can continue to receive their monthly Imagination Library books,” Executive Director Brooke Fisher-Clark told the SGN.
Imagination Library of Washington is hosting “Over the Edge,” a fundraising event in Vancouver on August 2, which aims at gathering public support to maintain the statewide program.
Founded in 1995 to honor Parton’s father, who was unable to read or write, the program provides one high-quality, age-appropriate book per month to each enrolled child at zero cost to families. The program’s purpose is to inspire children up to 5 years old with a love of reading, and to strengthen early literacy results — which plummeted in youth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our focus remains rooted in Dolly’s vision: to inspire a love of reading while promoting messages of kindness, acceptance, respect, and self-worth through the books we gift. Our goal is to celebrate the values that unite us and help every child feel seen, valued, and encouraged,” Clark-Fisher said, adding how each title is carefully selected with this vision in mind.
This year’s books include, Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please! by Tim Kleyn, which tackles the importance of community and helping others — and the comfort that a perfectly crafted grilled cheese sandwich brings; and Steppin' Out by Lin Oliver, which introduces children to rhymes through exploring everyday activities, like splashing in puddles and elevator rides.
Imagination Library of Washington was established in 2022, marking the program’s first West Coast expansion and making it the 11th statewide program nationwide. Currently, there are 21 statewide Imagination Library programs that serve three million children. The funding model is a public-private partnership, with 50% coming from the state and the remaining 50% from local partners. Its funding request for the biennium was $7 million, with $3.2 million in the first year and $3.8 million in the second, to support anticipated growth and enrollment.
Fisher-Clark said that the programmatic framework of Imagination Library of Washington has been altered, and it is pivoting to address these funding challenges — but that it needs assistance from the public. Without state support, the library can only continue if these critical funds can be raised from the public to maintain the book match.
“We also apply for grants and connect with corporations to seek funding support as needed to fill funding shortfalls,” Clark-Fisher added.
Those interested in donating can visit www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org/donate.
