Imagination Library: Lady Jackson helped launch Dolly Parton's statewide program

Former Tennessee economic development director Lady Jackson was recruited by Gov. Phil Bredesen to expand Dolly Parton's Imagination Library across the state, and within about 18 months all 95 counties had committed to support the program. The state pledged more than $1.5 million annually to match local contributions while private donors and nonprofits helped fund local participation.

Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library to send a free book each month to children during their first five years. The program, which began in Sevier County, Tennessee, became the focus of a statewide rollout under Gov. Phil Bredesen. Bredesen committed more than $1.5 million a year in state funds, matched by local contributions, and asked Lady Jackson, his former Director of Economic Development, to lead implementation. Jackson and a small team organized outreach, fundraising and templates to bring all counties on board. Notable facts: - Lady Jackson was recruited by Gov. Phil Bredesen to secure participation from Tennessee’s counties and local organizations. - The state committed more than $1.5 million annually to match local contributions for the program. - Over about 18 months, all 95 Tennessee counties agreed to support the Imagination Library. - Fundraising included donations from businesses and nonprofits such as Delta Dental Tennessee, Dollar General and Piedmont Natural Gas Co. - A website was developed by Tennessee Tech’s Office of Business Development and fundraising seminars involved Middle Tennessee’s Center for Nonprofit Management. Summary: The statewide effort established funding and outreach systems that allowed the Imagination Library to expand beyond its origin in Sevier County and gain commitments from every Tennessee county. Undetermined at this time.