SACRAMENTO —On Jun 06, Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, State Senator Shannon Grove, State Librarian Greg Lucas, and The Dollywood Foundation, announced that California is launching the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The expansion, made possible by bipartisan legislation SB 1183 (Grove) — which was signed into law by Governor Newsom last year — allows all California children under the age of five to be eligible to enroll in the program to receive a free book every month in the mail. The program is currently active in areas across 30 counties in California and this expansion is expected to fully cover the entire state by 2028.

 “Dolly Parton unites us through her music — and through her commitment to helping all kids develop a love for reading. With this statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, California is on track to put more free books in children’s hands than any other state in the nation — broadening millions of young minds to a world of unlimited possibilities.” Said Governor Gavin Newsom.

 “Reading to kids early and often is good for their literacy development and a great way to begin to cultivate a lifelong love and appreciation for reading. I have immense gratitude for Dolly Parton and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for partnering with California to expand the program and provide the first in the nation bilingual book option. As the program grows from 30 counties to all 58, more and more California families will have the opportunity – at no cost to them – to give their children the beautiful and invaluable gift of reading, in English and Spanish.” Said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is currently active in all 50 states and has gifted over 200 million books since 1995. California is the first state to provide a bilingual option where children and their families can select to receive bilingual books in both English and Spanish. When California’s statewide expansion is complete, it will be the largest statewide Imagination Library in the nation.

Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, and in partnership with the Legislature, California is improving education outcomes and investing in literacy. California outperformed most states in mitigating learning loss during the pandemic, and through historic levels of school and library funding, the state is building a cohesive structure of support for educators and students that reflects a focus on equity, inclusion, and academic success.