Kentucky Continues Funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Madison County

Better With Books program works to expand early literacy access for local children

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:37pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a child's hands holding a colorful children's book, with the book and hands softly illuminated in a warm, hazy glow.The Imagination Library program's monthly book deliveries provide a sense of joy and belonging for young readers in Madison County.Richmond Today

The Kentucky state budget will continue to match local contributions for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program in Madison County, allowing the Better With Books nonprofit to expand its efforts to provide free books to young children. The program currently reaches just under half of the eligible children in the county, and the funding match is crucial to keeping the initiative running.

Why it matters

Early literacy is a key indicator of future academic and life success, so programs like Imagination Library that promote reading from a young age can have a significant impact on a child's development and long-term outcomes. The continuation of state funding helps ensure more families in Madison County can access these valuable resources.

The details

Better With Books, a local nonprofit, has partnered with Imagination Library since 2023 to mail free books to children in Madison County from birth until age 5. Each book costs $5.20, with the Dollywood Foundation covering half the cost and the state and local groups splitting the remaining $2.60. The recent decision to maintain the state's 50/50 funding match allows Better With Books to continue sending books to around 2,800 kids, though this only reaches just under half of the eligible children in the county. The organization is now working to raise additional local funds through donations and fundraisers to expand the program further.

  • In 2023, Better With Books began working with Imagination Library to provide books to children in Madison County.
  • On April 1, 2026, Kentucky officials announced the state budget will continue the 50/50 funding match for Imagination Library.

The players

Better With Books

A nonprofit organization in Madison County, Kentucky that partners with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to provide free books to young children.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

A book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income.

Whitney Hamilton

The founder and director of Better With Books, who operates the program out of her home and oversees the monthly book mailings to local families.

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What they’re saying

“Early literacy is of such an importance because it's an indicator of future success.”

— Whitney Hamilton, Founder and Director, Better With Books

“We are so thankful that they decided to keep all of that fifty-fifty in the budget.”

— Whitney Hamilton, Founder and Director, Better With Books

“When a child feels seen and receives a book in the mail addressed to them every single month, that lets them know they matter.”

— Whitney Hamilton, Founder and Director, Better With Books

What’s next

Better With Books is hosting a pickleball tournament fundraiser on April 25 to raise additional funds to expand the Imagination Library program in Madison County.

The takeaway

The continuation of state funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Kentucky is a critical lifeline for early literacy initiatives like Better With Books, allowing them to provide free books to hundreds of young children and set them up for future academic and personal success.