Oregon Reaches Major Milestone Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – KXL

SALEM, OR – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon has mailed its four-millionth book to a child in Oregon, marking a major milestone for early literacy in the state.

The program provides free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age 5. It first launched in Oregon in 2007.

State leaders expanded the program statewide in 2024, offering matching funds to boost local enrollment and access. By April 2025, the Imagination Library reached full statewide coverage. Since that expansion, more than 1.39 million books — over one-third of the total mailed — have been sent to Oregon children.

Currently, about 35% of Oregon children under age 5 are enrolled. In some communities, participation tops 50%.

Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who has hosted read-aloud events across the state, called the program an investment in Oregon’s future.

The Imagination Library was founded in 1995 by Dolly Parton and was inspired by her father’s inability to read. The goal: put books directly into children’s hands and help families build daily reading habits before kindergarten.