Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an executive order to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program throughout New Mexico. This initiative aims to provide every child in the state, from birth to age five, with free monthly books delivered directly to their homes.
The signing ceremony was attended by Lt. Governor Howie Morales, Early Childhood Education and Care Department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky, and local leaders who have supported literacy efforts across New Mexico.
“Today, we’re unlocking the potential of our youngest minds and transforming the future of New Mexico one book at a time,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “Every New Mexican child deserves the chance to grow up with books in their home and stories in their hands. Imagination Library proves what’s possible when we invest in our children’s futures.”
The program will receive an additional $1 million in funding for fiscal year 2026, allowing it to serve 30,000 more children across all zip codes in New Mexico. Each child can receive up to 60 free, high-quality books by the time they turn five years old. Since its inception in Grant County in 2010, where it initially reached eight children, nearly two million books have been distributed statewide.
The Imagination Library program addresses a significant need for early childhood literacy in New Mexico. Research indicates that homes receiving these books saw daily reading with children increase from 17% to 33%.
New Mexico is now among 20 other states offering the Imagination Library program statewide, following Tennessee's pioneering effort launched in 2004.
A video message from Dolly Parton celebrating this expansion can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-vGJYIjiC7C
