Indiana Capital Chronicle
For The Republic
INDIANAPOLIS — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Indiana scored its first major donation after nearly six months of fundraising – but officials still haven’t released a fundraising total or what’s next for the literacy program, which serves over 125,000 young Hoosiers.
“Books are more than just paper and ink. They’re a doorway for imagination and curiosity to enter your life,” Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun told a packed room at the Indiana State Library on Wednesday. “That’s why I am so excited to lead this fundraising initiative with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and that’s why I am so proud to celebrate CenterPoint Foundation’s $500,000 donation.”
The foundation is the charitable arm of one of the state’s “big five” investor-owned utility companies. The foundation awards grants for initiatives that help the communities CenterPoint serves.
CenterPoint Energy Foundation Vice President of Community Relations June Deadrick said the group is honored to partner with the first lady.
“We are very happy to help Maureen and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide books — the very tools needed to ensure that Indiana has the young leaders of today, who will become more state leaders of tomorrow,” Deadrick said.
The Imagination Library gifts free, high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income. The funds will help put thousands of books into the hands of Hoosier children, Braun said.
Surrounded by children, she read “The Little Engine that Could” — a favorite of her own grandkids — before unveiling the donation. Following the announcement, she signed books to give out to the children who attended.
Funding
Former Gov. Eric Holcomb included a statewide expansion of the program in his 2023 legislative agenda. The General Assembly designated $6 million for the program in the state’s last biennial budget — $2 million in the first year and $4 million in the second — to ensure that all Hoosier kids qualify to receive free books.
Gov. Mike Braun eliminated funding for the popular program from the state’s current budget as part of an overall effort to rein in state spending, a move that sparked criticism. In February, he tasked his wife to raise money for the initiative through public-private partnerships.
Maureen Braun launched a fundraising campaign with the Indiana State Library in April. The Hoosier Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization loosely affiliated with the governor’s campaign, helps lead the initiative. Since then, the First Lady has also hosted story time events at libraries throughout Indiana to promote the program and raise awareness.
Officials declined to take media questions at the announcement. The total amount raised beyond the CenterPoint donation has not been disclosed.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Director of North America Timberly Pierce said there are 96 local programs partners across the state. She also thanked the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana State Library for the funding expansion of the library back in 2023.
— The Indiana Capital Chronicle covers state government and the state legislature. For more, visit indianacapitalchronicle.com.
