Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is expanding to serve more kids.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book service launched in 1995. It provides one free book per month to children under five years old in participating areas, from before birth until they start school. The program aims to foster early childhood literacy by making books accessible to young readers. As of October 2026, the service is expanding to serve more states and countries, including previously unserved counties in Texas and a new initiative in London. The program’s goal is to ensure that every child has access to books, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

In October 2026, the Imagination Library is expanding its reach to new regions. Children in previously unserved counties in Texas can now enroll, and a bill has been introduced in New Jersey’s legislature to expand the program statewide. Additionally, thousands of families in London are now eligible to participate. These expansions follow public support, including calls to donate in Dolly Parton’s honor after her passing in August 2026. The growth reflects a commitment to making literacy resources available to more children globally.

Some state legislatures, such as Indiana’s, have attempted to restrict the program, but public outcry has pushed back against these efforts. In New Jersey, Assemblyman Bill Moen introduced a bill to eliminate barriers to participation, emphasizing the importance of having books in homes. He stated that the goal is to ensure no child lacks access to reading materials, describing it as a simple way to support family bonding and early learning. The expansion highlights the program’s popularity and the widespread belief in the value of early childhood literacy.