Gainesville Thrives asks county to fund Dolly Parton Imagination Library expansion

Gainesville Thrives presented a request for county support on July 14, asking for $140,000 to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and literacy-night programming countywide.

Rick Carnell, board president, described program metrics: "We have 1,900 children currently enrolled" and the nonprofit has delivered more than 85,000 books since it began. Carnell said the group currently pays $31 per child per year for Imagination Library subscriptions, and asked the commission to enable an expansion to 14 new ZIP codes by funding $82,000 for subscriptions, $8,000 for literacy kits, $29,000 for a part-time recruitment/literacy-support assistant and $1,000 for transportation.

Executive Director Yolanda Hagley said the program pairs mailed books with parent guidance and in-person literacy nights, and that staff track attendance and follow up with families (she said they use a QR code to record participation and follow-up). Commissioners praised the program's evidence of parental engagement and learning supports and discussed possible partners including the library system, the Children's Trust and other funders.

Commissioner Alford said the $31-per-child subscription is a good use of funds and Commissioner Prizia moved (and the board seconded) to refer the request to staff to identify funding options and possible partnerships; the referral passed unanimously.

What happens next: Staff will analyze budget options ahead of the county's upcoming budget discussions and explore potential partnerships with the library and other organizations; the board signaled openness to funding if fiscal capacity allows.