Credit: Wandsworth Council
Thousands of little Londoners will soon become the lucky recipients of a free monthly book to bury their nose in, courtesy of the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. The Imagination Library is a global initiative that was created by Dolly to boost early literacy and spark joy amongst children. And the London Borough of Wandsworth has just become the latest locale to launch the scheme.
From September, residents of the south London borough who are under the age of five can have a brand new book delivered to their door every single month until their fifth birthday – for free. Each book will be selected by early childhood experts and published by Penguin Random House UK, ensuring that they are age-appropriate and of the highest quality.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The scheme was founded by Dolly Parton back in 1995 in a bid to foster a love of literature among children. Especially those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not have otherwise had easy access to books. Since launching the Imagination Library, over 200 million free books have been dished out across the globe, and the pages just seem to keep on turning.
Wandsworth’s Imagination Library is being delivered by The Dollywood Foundation, with support from funds raised by the People’s Postcode Lottery. The launch of the scheme comes as part of Wandsworth’s wider ‘Year of Play’ initiative, which has seen £15 million invested into the likes of playgrounds, inclusive child-friendly activities, and cultural events. Alongside the book deliveries, the Imagination Library will be supported by local library events, author visits to schools, and other themed activities in the area.
Dolly Parton said: “I have always known that if we encourage children to dream, we give them the chance to live those dreams. Having books at home is the perfect way to open a child’s mind to a world of imagination, and I am so proud that my Imagination Library has reached so many children over the years.”
Registration is open now, and all residents of Wandsworth that are under the age of five are eligible for the scheme. Find out more and register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library scheme here.