Dolly Parton literacy license plates see rising demand

Specialty license plates benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are seeing increased interest in several U.S. states. In Ohio, demand for the plate has surged following the death of the country music icon on August 25. Records show 259 requests for the plate between August 25 and August 28, compared to 63 requests during the first 24 days of the month.

The Ohio plate costs $35 annually in addition to standard registration fees. Of that amount, $25 is directed to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to support local programs that provide free books to children under five. The program was expanded statewide in November 2020.

In Alabama, a specialty license plate to support the same literacy cause is currently moving through the state’s pre-commitment process, with interest in the tag reportedly surging.