The future of Oregon's Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) seemed uncertain when the $2.2 million requested to sustain and expand the program was not included in the state's 2025–27 budget. This critical funding is essential to keep books in the hands of more than 67,000 Oregon children each month—and to reach even more families across the state.
Virginia Auer, Executive Director of the Jackson County Library Foundation, joined the Exchange to discuss the work of the Foundation, the importance of early childhood literacy and DPIL funding concerns. During our conversation, she announced that funding has now been secured up to 2027 for continued operations, which affects around 4,500 Jackson County children under the age of five.
John Williams, Board Chair, Southern Oregon Innovation Hub
