SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun is launching a new fundraising initiative to expand and sustain Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across the state, her office announced on Tuesday.

“Reading opens up a world of imagination for kids and having books in the home benefits children in school and throughout their lives,” said Braun.

The initiative establishes a public-private partnership aimed at supporting the book gifting program that promotes early childhood literacy by delivering free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five.

“I’m proud to champion this effort to keep Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library growing strong here in Indiana and to help Hoosier kids develop a lifelong love of reading," Braun said.

Back in February, Braun's husband Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana House passed a budget that cut funds for the popular literacy program.

"We look forward to working with the Governor and First Lady, state leaders, and Local Program Partners to keep books in the hands of Indiana’s youngest learners and strengthen this foundation for a lifetime of success," said Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation.