State lawmakers expected to restore funding match for Imagination Library programs

April 1, 2026 Zac Oakes WJRS News

Last week on local news, we reported the proposed budget plan by state lawmakers significantly cut funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Kentucky.

After Kentucky citizens voiced widespread support for the program, lawmakers are expected to restore the funding match to its previous level.

Advocates of the Imagination Library program say the program has shown a lot of success in improving kindergarten readiness, with children enrolled in the program scoring 13 points higher on kindergarten readiness assessments than children who weren’t enrolled.

The Imagination Library program provides age-appropriate books to children under the age of 5 free of charge to families.

The program is very popular locally, with Russell County holding the highest percentage of eligible children enrolled among all Kentucky counties.

About Zac Oakes 9799 Articles

Zac Oakes is the News and Sports Director for LakerCountry.com and Laker Country WJRS 104.9 FM.

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