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Lawmakers, local partners back bill to codify Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Oregon
Summary
Supporters told the House committee the bill would formalize the statewide Imagination Library partnership, ensure continuity for 56 local partners and expand access; witnesses cited program milestones including 73,116 children currently receiving monthly books and Oregon's 4 millionth mailed book in Feb. 2026.
Representatives and program partners told the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services on Feb. 3 that House Bill 4,022 should be adopted to codify and stabilize the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Oregon.
Rep. Ben Bowman (House District 25) described the program as a public-private partnership that has put books in the hands of 73,116 Oregon children and enrolled roughly 35% of children under age 5. He said the original funding bill established the program but did not include the policy language that HB 4,022 would codify, and that codification will provide clarity for state agencies and continuity for families and local partners.
Lucetta Elmer (House District 24) and Laurie McNichols, state director of the Imagination Library of Oregon, highlighted research the Dollywood Foundation released showing positive early-reading outcomes linked with the program. Kaylee Crystal, community engagement coordinator, said the statewide launch in May 2024 produced immediate impact and that Oregon will mail its 4 millionth Imagination Library book in February 2026, with 1,330,000 books mailed since the statewide expansion. Local partner Lisa Harnish, executive director of the Marion and Polk Early Learning Hub, reported 8,960 children in Marion and Polk counties currently receive books and about 3,000 have 'graduated' from the program.
Witnesses said codification would protect program stability for 56 local affiliates and recommended passage to ensure families across all 36 counties continue to receive monthly books. No committee vote on the bill occurred that day; the committee closed the public hearing after testimony and questions.
