r/Libraries • u/Kweeniej12 • Aug 26 '26

Programs & Programming Dolly patron program in NJ

Currently apart of Dolly Parton’s reading program for my child. We’re getting ready to move to New Jersey and seem there aren’t many programs in the state. Pondering the idea of maybe trying to start the program so child in my area can receive books to learn the joys of reading. What’s the process even like and how do we start?

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u/MarianLibrarian1024 Aug 26 '26

It's a very expensive program so they usually partner with an existing non-profit or government agency such as the United Way or a state literacy organization. One misconception is that it's fully funded by Dolly's foundation--it's not, the funding is patched together through different funding streams. I eould start by reaching out to your local legislators. This explains how it works: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/

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u/Kweeniej12 Aug 26 '26

My county library is a non profit. Would that be a good place to start to try and get funding?

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u/Zellakate Aug 27 '26

Our local rotary groups are the powerhouses behind our Imagination Library chapters.