Columbus, OH — Ohio residents now have the opportunity to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library with the purchase of a special license plate featuring the beloved singer and the Imagination Library logo. The new plates, priced at $25, will help fund the operation of the program that provides free books to children across Ohio.
“Ensuring that young children in Ohio can read and write is integral for providing a path to success,” said Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director, Antonio. “Dolly Parton has always been a fierce advocate for children and worked to bring free books to Ohio kids through the Imagination Library program. Purchasing this license plate creates an opportunity for Ohioans to show their support for the Imagination Library. These unique plates will directly support the program.”
Since 2019, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio has been providing one free book per month to children aged 0-5. The new license plate proceeds will go toward covering operational expenses, including book distribution.
A recent study from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital revealed the positive impact of the Imagination Library on Ohio children. The study found that children who participated in the program showed a 15.4% increase in Kindergarten Readiness Assessments over three years, with scores jumping from 42.9% to 58.3%.
First Lady Fran DeWine played a key role in bringing the Imagination Library to Ohio, and it was highlighted as a primary focus in Governor Mike DeWine’s State of the State Address earlier this year.
In December, both the Ohio State House and Senate passed a bill to create the specialty license plate. The funds raised will go directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, furthering the effort to provide free books to children and promote early literacy across the state.
Now, Ohio drivers can show their support for this important cause and join the nationwide movement to foster literacy by displaying Dolly Parton’s image on their license plates.
