First Lady Gianforte Celebrates One Million Books Mailed in Montana Through Imagination Library

Governor's Office

BUTTE, Mont. - First Lady Gianforte today announced one million free books have been mailed in Montana through the Montana Imagination Library to children up to age five who are registered for the program.

"Mailing one million books to Montana children is a proud moment for our state," said First Lady Gianforte. "It reflects the dedication and efforts of more than 58 libraries, United Ways, and community-based organizations working together to make sure young children across Montana have access to books."

First Lady Susan Gianforte delivering the millionth book mailed through the Montana Imagination Library to a child in Butte

Marking the major milestone for the program, First Lady Gianforte joined Imagination Library Program Partner, Butte 4C's, families, educators, and community partners to celebrate the program's impact on early childhood literacy.

Hand delivering the millionth book to Jordyn Bolstad, a two-year-old from Butte, with the book, "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton, the first lady added, "We dedicate this one-millionth book to Dolly, without whom this program would not be possible. Marking this milestone so shortly after her passing is a simple reminder that her legacy continues as children receive free books in their mailboxes every month."

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. In June 2023, the first lady joined the Dollywood Foundation in announcing the statewide expansion of Imagination Library in Montana. Through the partnership, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provides a free book each month to any Montana child, up to age five, who is registered with the organization.

Today, Imagination Library of Montana has 58 local program partners in all 56 counties serving nearly 31,000 children, more than half of the state's eligible children. A child may be registered at montanaimaginationlibrary.org.

Local program partners, such as Butte 4C's, play an essential role in overseeing program enrollment and outreach within their communities. Terri Amberg, Director of Butte 4-C's, added, "The Imagination Library supports our belief that parents are their child's first and most important teachers. Reading together builds language, vocabulary, early literacy skills, attachment, and positive parent-child interaction. This program is available without any income requirements so every child can have access to books and opportunities to enter school ready to learn."

Grant funding from the Amicus Foundation helps cover the cost of books and mailing expenses for children participating in the Imagination Library across Silver Bow County and five neighboring counties.

To enroll a child to receive books or support the program through a donation, visit www.montanaimaginationlibrary.org.

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