Peter Abbarno: Why Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library deserves our support | The Reflector

Every month, thousands of children across Washington state receive a book in the mail with their name on it — a brightly colored story filled with wonder, imagination and the promise of learning.

For many, that book is part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a simple yet profoundly effective program that delivers free books to children from birth to age five.

It’s more than a nice gesture — it’s one of the smartest investments we can make in our future.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began as a local program in Tennessee in 1995. In 2022, I was honored to cosponsor House Bill 2068, which recognized Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as a statewide program.

Unfortunately, in 2025, attempts to secure state support for the program fell short. 

Here is why I’ll continue to support the Imagination Library, and I hope you’ll join me.

Research is clear: a child’s brain develops faster from birth to age 5 than at any other time in life. During those early years, neural connections are built that form the foundation for language, literacy, problem-solving and emotional health.

Studies show that children who are read to frequently — at least three times a week — are twice as likely to score in the top range for reading and comprehension when they reach school. Yet, too many children still enter kindergarten without the vocabulary, story comprehension, or confidence they need to succeed.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 56% of K–2 students nationwide are on track to master reading skills. Once a child falls behind in reading, catching up becomes increasingly harder and more costly at every stage of education.

That’s why reading early and often is so important. And it’s why Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is such a powerful tool — because it meets children and families where learning begins: at home.

Anyone who has read to a toddler knows the magic that happens when a child snuggles up, listens and turns the page. Reading aloud strengthens family bonds, builds curiosity and creates lasting routines that shape a child’s view of learning and belonging.

When families receive a new book each month in the mail, children light up with excitement. Parents read more. Homes become filled with stories and imagination — especially in households that may not have easy access to books otherwise.

These small, joyful moments between parents and their children are what early learning should look like: accessible, inclusive and rooted in love. 

Today, the program reaches nearly 100,000 families in Washington state and millions of children across the U.S. Independent studies consistently show that children who participate develop stronger early literacy skills and are more likely to be ready for kindergarten.

However, the program relies heavily on local partnerships, donations and support from the State of Washington. In many communities, enrollment is limited simply because funding runs short.

If Washington state wants to close opportunity gaps, strengthen its future workforce, build strong families, and set students up for success, then the Imagination Library is a clear starting point. Investing in the Imagination Library means investing in school readiness, family engagement and community success — at a fraction of the cost of later interventions.

Supporting early literacy isn’t just good education policy; it’s good economic policy. Every dollar invested in high-quality early learning yields a strong return, including reduced remediation, higher graduation rates, and a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

Programs like the Imagination Library give every child — regardless of background — the chance to start kindergarten curious, confident, and ready to learn. That’s a return on investment we can all get behind.

As a parent, a legislator and a believer in the power of community, I see this as more than a funding decision. It’s a commitment to the next generation — one book, one family, one story at a time.  In 2026, I hope the Legislature joins my commitment to Dolly’s Imagination Library.

If we truly want to build stronger schools, stronger families, and stronger communities, then supporting early literacy is where it begins. Let’s keep the pages turning for every child in Washington.

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Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus chair.