By Okon Ekpenyong and Irina Perry

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine has announced a new statewide initiative designed to enroll more Ohio children immediately after birth in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio.

“I am thrilled to announce that now, as part of the Ohio birth certificate process, moms and dads will learn about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and have the chance to sign up at the hospital before they head home with their newborn. One simple checkmark will give Ohio’s little ones a great start in life,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine.

Studies have shown that books in the home, such as the books the Imagination Library provides to children from birth to age five, and more reading can increase Kindergarten Readiness Assessment scores.

First Lady DeWine made the announcement that signing up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is now part of the Ohio birth certificate paperwork process during the 2025 First Lady’s Luncheon. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also participated in the program, along with country music legend Zac Brown. 

“Research has shown that 80 percent of a child’s brain is developed by age three, so we want to get books into the home as early as possible in order to have the most impact,” said First Lady DeWine.

Imagination Library books have been available to newborns, but through this new enrollment initiative, more families will know that this program is available to them in the very first few days that their child is eligible to sign up.

Enrollment at birth will result in more young children receiving the complete collection – all 60 books – that the Imagination Library offers. Opting into the program results in one age-appropriate book mailed to the child’s home every month until he or she turns five years old.

Brown not only provided entertainment at the luncheon, but also offered his support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio by donating a signed guitar, which was put up for auction.

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