From Local 3 News: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library delivers free books to children under the age of five all over the world.
Since 2004, the library has delivered more than 304 million books worldwide.
Last year, around 70% of students here in Tennessee were enrolled in the program.
Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson, running for reelection this November, and Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton pledge to fund 100% of the cost.
Right now, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is funded 50% by the state and 50% by local communities and non-profits.
Senator Watson says some areas struggle to raise the funds more than others.
“Currently, the state funds a large portion of the Imagination Library. Local governments or local communities and nonprofits have to raise a match. There are a number of communities that really struggle with that just because they're small, particularly in our rural areas,” Watson said.
He says the change could relieve those communities of the cost and hopes they would use that money to continue encouraging literacy.
“I would be hopeful that if we remove the burden of having to raise funds for the Imagination Library, that it allows the local entity, the local nonprofit, to use those resources in some other avenue that again helps promote literacy and early learning,” Watson said.
Next steps for the initiative will progress after the November election. Watson says it is up to the next Governor or Legislature to add the cost in the 2027 budget. He says it will be an estimated $5.1 million increase.
The budget will be reassessed yearly.
“This would be a recurring expense, but obviously, the legislature and the finance committees can look at it. There's nothing that is completely shielded from budgetary oversight,” Watson said.
Watson says this pledge honors Dolly Parton and her legacy the way she would have wanted.
“She didn't choose an airport. She didn't choose a bridge. She didn't choose a road or a building. She chose literacy as her main purpose. With all of her philanthropy, and of course that spread nationwide and worldwide. So I think members will see that as yeah, this is actually the legacy that Dolly would have written for herself,” he said.
Since 2004, the library has delivered more than 304 million books worldwide.
Last year, around 70% of students here in Tennessee were enrolled in the program.
Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson, running for reelection this November, and Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton pledge to fund 100% of the cost.
Right now, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is funded 50% by the state and 50% by local communities and non-profits.
Senator Watson says some areas struggle to raise the funds more than others.
“Currently, the state funds a large portion of the Imagination Library. Local governments or local communities and nonprofits have to raise a match. There are a number of communities that really struggle with that just because they're small, particularly in our rural areas,” Watson said.
He says the change could relieve those communities of the cost and hopes they would use that money to continue encouraging literacy.
“I would be hopeful that if we remove the burden of having to raise funds for the Imagination Library, that it allows the local entity, the local nonprofit, to use those resources in some other avenue that again helps promote literacy and early learning,” Watson said.
Next steps for the initiative will progress after the November election. Watson says it is up to the next Governor or Legislature to add the cost in the 2027 budget. He says it will be an estimated $5.1 million increase.
The budget will be reassessed yearly.
“This would be a recurring expense, but obviously, the legislature and the finance committees can look at it. There's nothing that is completely shielded from budgetary oversight,” Watson said.
Watson says this pledge honors Dolly Parton and her legacy the way she would have wanted.
“She didn't choose an airport. She didn't choose a bridge. She didn't choose a road or a building. She chose literacy as her main purpose. With all of her philanthropy, and of course that spread nationwide and worldwide. So I think members will see that as yeah, this is actually the legacy that Dolly would have written for herself,” he said.
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2026
January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax foreverGov. Lee proclaims January 19 as "Dolly Parton Day"United Airlines temporarily offering direct flights from Chattanooga to DenverBarn blaze leaves 9 animals dead in Bradley County ThursdayBradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivers annual State of the County addressNo injuries reported after crash on Paul Huff Parkway SaturdayPetroleum pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road to cause delaysCharleston home a complete loss after fire Saturday afternoonTwo vehicle crash on I-75 S causes temporary road closure SundayBradley Medical Center and Erlanger to partner to expand pediatric emergency servicesOoltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO saysDecember Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 millionTennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000Bradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officialsYour to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN ValleyOfficials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN ValleySPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weatherBradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKITTennessee and Georgia declare state of emergenciesCleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student ServicesSheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO ThursdayMan wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerousCleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol ProgramBradley County government offices closed MondayTDOT crews help drivers across the stateMcMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicleCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safetyApartment catches fire Sunday in ClevelandVolunteers needed for Barbara's Market in ClevelandTBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter stormBlood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donorsLee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical LegacyFormer Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to 60 years following conviction of child sexual abuseCleveland firefighters quickly extinguish basement fire Wednesday nightKnox County man charged with first-degree murder after body found in Ten MileBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9Cleveland PD Chief Mark Gibson delivers 2026 New Year's MessageUnemployment rates below 5% in nearly every Tennessee countyGov. Lee requests expedited disaster declaration for 23 counties
February
Cleveland community mourns death of Bradley Central student athleteBradley County government offices closed MondayCleveland firm laying off 100 employees starting April 1'Infrastructure challenges' blamed for failing health inspection score at Benton ElementaryGov. Lee delivers 2026 State of the State Address: “Tennessee: The Original Frontier”Tennessee lawmakers, DA look to ensure death penalty as option for child rape"It's disappointing": Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit sought price increases, rejected current contract amid failed negotiationBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9TDCI and Tennessee AG issue joint statement about Winter Storm FernCleveland City Schools AI bus cameras already catch drivers illegally passingTennessee reaches nearly $18M settlement with drug companies over alleged price gougingHow many arrestees were turned over to ICE? New Tennessee report breaks it down by countyVolkswagen, UAW reach contract agreementBradley County Fire and Rescue responded to 2 structure fires Wednesday morningUPDATE: Manhunt continues for suspect in attempted murder after known 'associate' chased through Bradley, Polk Counties8 students charged after brawl at Cleveland High SchoolCleveland man arrested after armed domestic dispute, standoffEx-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified2026 Winter Job Fair to take place Feb. 13UPDATE: Missing Athens, TN woman found safeBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapBradley County School Board meeting recapUTC students react to new safety app after 2025 false shooter scareFormer Tennessee private school principal has child sex charges reduced, learns sentenceTellico Plains police officer indicted in statutory rape investigation, TBI saysNew Tennessee bill further protects places of worshipCHS receives $10,000 grant to enhance Tango Flight ProgramBradley County Sheriff's Office warns of local scamAllegiant Air begins nonstop route from CHA to Fort LauderdaleLee University names Johnson Director of Community and Church Relations