Missouri has reduced state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a programme that mails free books to children under five. The cut means no new enrolments will be accepted from July 1, affecting the programme’s expansion into the state in 2023.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education confirmed the reduction in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Michelle Anthony, regional director for Parton’s Dollywood Foundation, said the state had not fulfilled its commitment to sustain full funding. The programme currently serves over 170,000 children in Missouri.
Anthony warned that existing funds could support operations for only about four more months, after which children across the state risk losing access to monthly free books. Children already enrolled will continue receiving books for now.
The cut is part of broader education reductions in Missouri’s 2027 budget, which also trims funding for the Workforce Diploma and Urban Teaching initiatives. The state’s main education funding system is under strain, with lawmakers shifting funds from other sources to fill gaps.
The Dollywood Foundation has said it will not renew its contract with Missouri at the reduced funding level. Local organisations or counties may choose to fund and coordinate the programme independently, but the future of state-funded participation remains uncertain.
Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, the Imagination Library has delivered over 300 million books worldwide and operates in Canada, the UK, and Australia. In March, Kentucky lawmakers initially cut funding but reversed the decision before the end of the month.
