News Update

Dolly Parton teams up with California lawmakers to offer kids free books

California’s youngest children will be able to sign up to receive a free book in their mailbox every month beginning next June.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1183 last week, expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program to California children. The initiative, which offers books to children ages 5 and younger, was launched by the country music artist to inspire a love of reading at an early age, according to a news release from Newsom’s office.

“We know the most significant brain growth occurs from birth to five years old, and that exposing children to reading early in life can boost brain development and improve their overall health and well-being, all while cultivating a love of learning, reading and literature,” said first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom in an Instagram post about the program.

Siebel Newsom said that 2.14 million children will be eligible for free books.