Dolly Parton to gift every Wandsworth child under 5 a free monthly book

The initiative was founded in 1995 by country music legend Dolly Parton to inspire a lifelong love of reading in young children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We have brought this global phenomenon to Wandsworth families. Now, our youngest readers can benefit from a completely free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. It is open to all children aged under 5.

Registration is now open, with books arriving to families from September onwards.

Register for Imagination Library

The project is supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered by Dolly Parton’s charity, The Dollywood Foundation.

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.

"Now children living in your community will receive the gift of reading. I hope that we’ll soon grow the programme to reach many more children and inspire a love of reading that will last a lifetime.”

The Imagination Library builds on Wandsworth’s commitment to supporting families and children. As part of our Year of Play, we are investing £15 million to improve playgrounds, play spaces and inclusive activities across the borough. This programme is led by Wandsworth’s Play Strategy and is a key element of our year as London Borough of Culture 2025, continuing a legacy of creativity, community spirit, and cultural enrichment.

The Imagination Library will play a central role in inspiring a love of reading in our youngest residents, supported by events in libraries and author visits to local schools in the autumn term, including appearances by former Children’s Laureates Chris Riddell, Cressida Cowell and Joseph Coelho.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Wandsworth. This programme gives every child the best possible start in life through stories, books, and imagination.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the perfect addition to our Year of Play, helping families bond, boosting literacy and supporting every child to thrive.

“I couldn’t be more excited and encourage every parent of a young child to sign up as soon as possible so you don’t miss out.”

Books are carefully chosen by early childhood experts and published by Penguin Random House UK, ensuring they are all age-appropriate and high-quality.

Each month, a range of activities and resources will be developed to support the chosen books in our Libraries, Nurseries and Family Hubs and will also support reading at home.

Wandsworth’s partnership with the Imagination Library also complements our wider support for families, including the Access for All scheme, which offers eligible residents 50% to 100% discounts on key services and local activities.

This includes a free baby box for Access for All members who become new parents, containing a carefully selected package of essentials including clothes, blankets, books, and toys to support a baby’s early development and help parents build strong bonds through play, reading, singing, and everyday interaction. 

A public launch event for the Imagination Library will be held in September to celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter.

Learn more about the Imagination Library.