INDIANAPOLIS — First Lady Maureen Braun and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Indiana are inviting families to hop aboard for a special storytime event at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Celebrating early childhood literacy at one of the state’s most cherished summer traditions, the morning event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Indiana State Fair Train Depot, located on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds near the Meijer Family Fun Park.
Event Highlights and Schedule
During the gathering, First Lady Maureen Braun will read the classic children’s book The Little Engine That Could to young visitors and their families.
Following the reading, the schedule includes:
- Train Ride: First Lady Braun will take a inaugural ride on the Indiana State Fair’s newest train attraction.
- Book Signing & Activities: After returning to the Station, the First Lady will hold a book signing. Children and families can also participate in interactive activities, including decorating miniature train crafts and receiving commemorative event tickets.
Supporting Early Literacy Across Indiana
The event highlights the ongoing mission of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Indiana, a public-private partnership program that mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books every month to registered Hoosier children from birth up to age five across all 92 Indiana counties.
Families attending the Indiana State Fair on Saturday morning are encouraged to gather near the Train Depot to join in the festivities and learn more about signing up local children for the free book program.
