Bill > S03154

This bill establishes the Dolly Parton's Statewide Imagination Library of New York, a program designed to encourage children from birth to five years old to develop a love of reading by providing them with free, age-appropriate books monthly. The Office of Children and Family Services will administer the program, working with a nonprofit organization to manage and promote local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library programs across the state. The bill creates a dedicated fund to support these efforts, which will be financed through appropriations, government grants, and private contributions. The office will allocate grants to local entities that agree to match funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with the possibility of waiving this requirement in cases of financial hardship. The program's goals include increasing enrollment, developing community engagement, and creating public awareness about the book distribution initiative. Starting in January 2030, the office will be required to submit annual reports to state leadership detailing the program's financial activities, local program developments, and the number of children enrolled and books distributed. The bill aims to support early childhood literacy by providing free books to families and building a statewide network of local reading programs.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3154