Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an executive order to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program across 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 been strong advocates for literacy initiatives throughout New Mexico.
“Today, we’re unlocking the potential of our youngest minds and transforming the future of New Mexico one book at a time,” stated 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.”
An additional $1 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 will enable the program to reach 30,000 more children across all zip codes in New Mexico. Each child will receive up to 60 free, high-quality books by age five. Since its inception, nearly two million books have been distributed to families statewide. The program began as a grassroots effort in Grant County in 2010, initially serving just eight children.
The Imagination Library program addresses a significant need within New Mexico. Research indicates that homes receiving these books see an increase in daily reading with children from 17% to 33%.
New Mexico now joins 20 other states offering the Imagination Library on a statewide basis, following Tennessee’s lead from 2004.
Dolly Parton’s video celebrating this expansion can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-vGJYIjiC7C
