March 2025
Photography // Courtesy of CCPL Foundation
Former Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as part of his 2023 Next Level Agenda, aiming to provide free books to children ages 0-5 across Indiana. On May 4, 2023, he signed legislation allocating $6 million over the biennium to help fund the program, covering $2 million in the first year and $4 million in the second year. The goal was to make books available to children in every ZIP code in the state.
The state aimed to extend coverage to all 92 counties, with local partners paying 50% of program costs while the state covered the remaining half. However, recent changes in state funding under current Gov. Mike Braun have created obstacles, particularly in Hamilton County, which remains the only Indiana county not yet participating in the program.
It has been reported that Braun has tasked his wife, First Lady Maureen Braun, to look at other avenues for funding Indiana’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.
Funding Challenges and Local Efforts in Hamilton County
On March 5, 2024, Sheryl Sollars, Director of the Westfield Washington Public Library, addressed the Hamilton County Council regarding the need for local funding. She emphasized the importance of securing financial support to ensure that the county’s youngest residents have access to free, high-quality books.
“The 50% match from the state is funded through June,” Sollars explained.
The cost of the program is approximately $2.60 per child per month, which covers books and mailing costs. If the state reinstates its 50% match, the local cost would be reduced to $1.30 per child. In Hamilton County alone, 21,085 children under five years old would qualify for the program.
To move the effort forward, library directors from the Carmel Clay Public Library, Hamilton East Public Library, Hamilton North Public Library and Sheridan Public Library collaborated with the Hamilton County Community Foundation and county officials to explore funding options.
Sollars described the collaborative process that led to their recent presentation to the council.
“We met a few times, brainstorming ideas on what we could do to get this done,” Sollars said. “We knew our individual library foundations might be able to help, but they couldn’t fund the entire program. That’s why we started looking outside the box, exploring potential support from the community foundation and other donors. Eventually, we realized the County Council could be a great partner. Ken Alexander was very supportive and encouraged us to prepare a presentation so the rest of the council could understand the program and its impact.”
Local Leadership and Community Support
Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation Director Elizabeth Hamilton, a key advocate for the initiative, highlighted the long-standing efforts to bring the program to Hamilton County and the importance of collaboration among local leaders and organizations.
“For over a year, finding a way to begin the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Hamilton County has been a dream,” Hamilton expressed. “Not only for me, but for all the libraries in Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Community Foundation. This collaborative effort has taken months and the efforts of many. Thanks go to Sheryl Sollars, Westfield Washington Public Library, Erin Downey, Westfield Washington Public Library Foundation, Bob Swanay, Carmel Clay Public Library, Kim Riley, Sheridan Public Library, Staci Treece, Hamilton North Public Library, Melissa Loiselle, Hamilton East Public Library, Danielle Stiles-Polk, Hamilton County Community Foundation, CenterPoint Energy, Hamilton County Council, and Melinda Brown and Katie Mullins from Dolly Parton Imagination Library.”
Hamilton also emphasized the program’s transformative impact on children and families.
“Hamilton County’s participation will touch thousands of children’s lives. Registration is free and easy. Once the program goes live in Hamilton County, parents will be able to register their children online.”
She further underscored the importance of literacy, quoting Horace Mann:
“‘Education, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men.’ This quote highlights education’s power to level the playing field and create opportunities for all. DPIL is all about supporting literacy for all. Join us as we level the playing field and create opportunities for future generations.”
A Potential Path Forward
Hamilton County Council is exploring potential funding approaches, including a one-year or three-year investment strategy. The decision will be discussed at the County Council’s April 2 meeting. If funding is approved, it will likely come from county tax revenue, although details are still being determined.
Meanwhile, the Carmel Clay Library Foundation has already secured a $75,000 grant from CenterPoint Energy to help launch the program, demonstrating early community investment in the initiative. Additionally, Hamilton County libraries are working to establish a fund through the Hamilton County Community Foundation to collect and distribute donations.
Sollars outlined the role libraries will play in the program’s implementation.
“Libraries will handle the administration, promotion and outreach,” Sollars explained. “We’ll work with the post office to ensure unclaimed books reach children in need. We’ll also engage with local businesses, hospitals and community organizations to secure additional funding for sustainability.”
She emphasized the program’s broader benefits.
“These books will level the playing field for all children,” Sollars said. “Regardless of their family’s financial situation, every child will have the same books when they enter kindergarten. It fosters a love of reading, encourages parent-child bonding and creates a shared literary experience among young learners. By the time they start school, children will have a personal library of 60 books. That’s a powerful gift.”
The initiative has gained momentum thanks to the efforts of dedicated librarians, community leaders and advocates. With continued collaboration and investment, Hamilton County can ensure that its youngest residents have the resources they need to succeed.
Hamilton said, “DPIL is all about supporting literacy for all. Join us as we level the playing field and create opportunities for future generations.”