Last Sunday, the legislature passed their final budgets and concluded the 2023 legislative session. We are extremely proud to announce that the Imagination Library of Washington received $2 million for the 2023-2025 biennium, sustaining the 50% funding match for all Washington affiliates of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“I am very proud of the Legislature’s investment in the Imagination Library of Washington,” said State Representative Peter Abbarno (R-Centralia). “The funding continues efforts to expand the program throughout the State and prioritize kindergarten readiness.”

Many thanks to our Washington affiliates and state partners for advocating on behalf of the Imagination Library of Washington and aiding in the success of securing legislative funding. Several State Representatives and Senators expressed their support for this valuable and proven early literacy program, expanding the Imagination Library for all early learners from birth up to age five in Washington.

“We are so grateful to the Washington State legislature for passing funding to continue supporting our affiliate’s ability to sustain and grow enrollments and outreach. This is an incredibly impactful program that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond and has the magic to enhance family connections and improve the quality of life and place of a community.  Big thank you to Governor Inslee for including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in his legislative priority budget and thank you to Superintendent Reykdal with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for also including this as a priority in his legislative budget package. We are ecstatic to have the support of our state leaders, affiliates, and community members all with the goal in mind to give our children the best start possible,” stated Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director of the Imagination Library of Washington.

More details will be released as the Imagination Library of Washington continues rigorous program expansion efforts.