Gov. Kay Ivey Wednesday announced a statewide expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. "No matter what a child grows up to be, reading proficiently is simply critical. No doubt, learning to read begins at home. Parents are our first teachers, after all," said Ivey. "It is really important that our parents start reading to our children when they’re just babies. And we must encourage our children to open books during their earliest developmental stages." Parton, appearing via video, said she was excited to help make the announcement. "A lot of good people have worked to make our Imagination Library dream for Alabama a reality, but I want to send my very special thanks to Gov. Kay Ivey for her leadership in making this possible," Parton said. The governor says the presence of the Imagination Library in Alabama is already strong, but will grow only stronger. "Our goal is to bring this program to all 67 counties, and we are well on our way to making that a reality."
Photo: Governor's Office