1 Million books donated to Colorado’s kids, fostering a lifelong love of reading
DENVER - Today Governor Polis, joined by Representative Emily Sirota, Senator Jeff Bridges, and Imagination Library CEO Jack Tate, handed out the one-millionth book from Dolly Parton’s Colorado Imagination Library. Launched by Dolly in 1995 and expanded to Colorado in 2020, this universal book-gifting program was created to inspire a love of reading by gifting books to children (0- 5 yrs. old), free of charge through funding shared by local community partners.
“Thanks to Dolly, more Colorado kids tumble out of bed, stumble to the kitchen, pour themselves a cup of ambition, and read from 9 to 5! It is important that at a young age, students have access to books to foster their love of reading. I’m thrilled that today I was able to hand out the one-millionth book. This heart-warming program brings so much joy to Colorado’s young readers and helps our kids grow into avid readers and learners. Thanks, Dolly!” said Governor Polis.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Colorado was created in July 2020 when Governor Polis signed SB20-185 The Colorado Imagination Library Program, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Jack Tate, and Representatives Kerry Tipper and James Wilson. This statewide expansion included children in all zip codes of Colorado and 30 programs covering portions of all 64 counties.
Today, Governor Polis signed HB24-1205, Colorado Imagination Library Program, sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rick Taggart, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Barbara Kirkmeyer. This bill transfers the operation of the Colorado Imagination Library from the Colorado Department of Education to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and allows the library to partner with eligible non-profits to procure more books and expand the program's reach.
Governor Polis encourages all families with children ages 5 or younger to participate in the program. To learn more or sign up, visit the Colorado Imagination Library website.
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