Antonio Celebrates Passage of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Ohio License Plate

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) celebrated the Ohio Legislature’s passage of her bill to create the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library license plate.

“We certainly worked ‘9 to 5’ and into overtime to see the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library license plate pass unanimously out of the House and Senate,” said Antonio. "As a parent and former educator, I know how important it is to inspire the love of reading through a book of one’s own. I have been pleased to work with the governor on this important piece of legislation that will benefit children’s literacy across the state. I also want to thank Ohio’s First Lady Fran DeWine for championing this program.”

Residents of Ohio will have the opportunity to buy a special license plate with Dolly Parton and an Imagination Library logo for $25, with the proceeds supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. The funds will be used to cover operational expenses and book distribution. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted one free book a month to Ohio kids aged 0-5 since 2019.

A study conducted by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital found that kids who participated in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library saw a 15.4% increase in Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in just three years from 42.9% to 58.3%. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, brought by First Lady Fran DeWine, was a primary focus in Governor DeWine’s State of the State Address given earlier this year.