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HF 5095

Minnesota Imagination Library program established, report required, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Myers

The bill creates Minnesota’s Imagination Library to provide free books for children birth–5, funded 50% by the state and 50% by local partners, with goals and annual reporting.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Finance
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Bill Summary · HF 5095

HF 5095 (2025-2026) – Minnesota Imagination Library Program Establishment, Report, and Funding

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the Minnesota Imagination Library program within the Department of Education.
  • Objective: provide age-appropriate books at no cost to families for children from birth to age five.
  • Program is implemented in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation and aligned with the Read Act literacy goals (Minnesota Statutes sections 120B.118 to 120B.124).

Key provisions and changes

Program structure and definitions

  • Eligible children: Minnesota residents from birth to five years old.
  • Local affiliates: Local 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or public libraries that partner with the Dollywood Foundation to operate in specific geographic areas.
  • Statewide entity: A Minnesota-based nonprofit selected by the commissioner to coordinate the program statewide.

Roles and duties

  • Commissioner of Education duties:

    • Select a statewide coordinating entity via a competitive process.
    • Provide a state match covering 50% of the cost of books and mailing for all enrolled children through local affiliates.
    • Align program outreach with early literacy initiatives to boost reading practices before kindergarten.

  • Statewide entity duties:

    • Manage daily operations and act as the primary liaison to the Dollywood Foundation.
    • Support local affiliates in meeting the 50% funding match through fundraising and grants.
    • Develop and execute a statewide marketing plan to enroll at least 50% of eligible children by the end of FY 2029.
    • Coordinate with school districts to include Imagination Library enrollment information in early childhood screening appointments.

  • Local affiliate requirements:

    • Enter into an agreement with the Dollywood Foundation.
    • Provide 50% of the funding for book and mailing costs within their service area.
    • Manage enrollment of children within their geographic boundaries.

Reporting and accountability

  • By January 15 each year, the commissioner must report to the relevant legislative committees on:
    • Number of children enrolled by county.
    • Number of books distributed.
    • Analysis of how the program has impacted kindergarten readiness data.

Effective date

  • The Act’s provisions take effect the day after final enactment.

Appropriation and funding (Section 2)

  • Funding source: General Fund, appropriated to the Department of Education.
  • Authorization period: The appropriation is available through June 30, 2029.
  • Intent: Support the Minnesota Imagination Library program under the new statute (Section 124D.145).

Impact and implications

  • Families and children: Free access to age-appropriate books from birth to age five, potentially improving early literacy and kindergarten preparedness.
  • Local governments and nonprofits: Local affiliates must secure and contribute 50% of book and mailing costs; the statewide entity and local partners will coordinate outreach and enrollment.
  • Education system: Aligns with Read Act goals and integrates with early childhood screenings and literacy initiatives.
  • Accountability: Annual reporting will provide data on enrollment, distribution, and kindergarten readiness trends to inform policy decisions.

Summary

HF 5095 creates a statewide framework for the Minnesota Imagination Library, partnering with the Dollywood Foundation to provide free books to Minnesota children birth through five. It establishes a 50% state match (through the commissioner) and a 50% local match (through affiliates), with a statewide coordinating entity handling operations and marketing to enroll at least half of eligible children by 2029. The bill requires annual reporting on enrollment, distributions, and kindergarten readiness and provides a general-fund appropriation through 2029 to fund the program.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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