4,500 Whatcom Co. kids use this literacy program. State cuts could change that
More than 121,000 kids across Washington — 4,500 in Whatcom County — who benefit from a children’s literacy program, stand to be impacted after Washington lawmakers cut its funding.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails enrolled children an age-appropriate book every month from birth to age 5, at no cost to families. It was founded in 1995 as part of The Dollywood Foundation to promote school readiness for children and provide early learning resources to families.
“This is a heartbreaking loss to our team, our 46 local Imagination Library partners, and, most importantly, the 121,000 children across Washington, who receive the gift of a free book each month,” said Imagination Library of Washington Executive Director Brooke Fisher-Clark in an announcement about the loss.
Although the Imagination Library was established as a statewide program in 2022, funding to support and expand the program in Washington was not included in the state’s final 2025-27 operating budget, which was released April 26.
The program has historically relied on a 50/50 funding match, with 50% coming from the state and 50% coming from local Imagination Library partners.
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United Way of Whatcom County is the Imagination Library program partner for Whatcom County. The organization administers the program locally and covers the cost of book printing and shipping.
About 42% of eligible children in Whatcom County benefit from the literacy program, thanks in large part to enrollment partnerships with local libraries, school districts, pediatricians, birthing centers and other nonprofits, according to United Way.
“We were very excited to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Whatcom County three years ago,” United Way President and CEO Kristi Birkeland said in the announcement. “There was a huge demand for this resource countywide, and enrollment outpaced projections from the very start. Currently, Whatcom County has one of the highest coverage rates in the state and we are proud of that success.”
Whatcom County has almost 11,000 children from birth to age 5. At the program’s current enrollment levels, United Way’s approximate cost to keep the program running is about $12,000 per month, which is expected to increase over time. Despite the loss of state funding, Birkeland said the organization intends to do everything possible to continue its operation.
“United Way has seen more than its share of fundraising challenges,” says Birkeland. “We know our community’s kids and families are counting on us, and we are going to do everything we can to keep those Imagination Library books coming.”
Research from Dolly Parton’s Information Library indicates that participation in the Imagination Library program is “positively and significantly” associated with higher measures of early language and math development. It also helps promote changes in home literacy environments, kindergarten readiness and early literacy skills.
“The ROI on this program is huge. United Way’s cost is $32 per year, per child, for 12 brand new, age-appropriate books mailed directly to each household,” Birkeland said. “I would challenge anyone to find a more effective early learning program that costs less than $3 per child, per month.”
This story was originally published May 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
