Almost 5,000 children already benefitting from Dolly Parton’s free book gifting programme

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children in Wandsworth age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. 

On 1 September, 3,480 books were mailed to the first families who signed up for the scheme in July. Anyone who signed up in August will receive theirs from 1 October, and so on. 

All books are selected from Wandsworth based publisher Penguin Random House UK by our book selection committee. Titles arriving in October include Fun with Spot for the youngest readers, Uh Oh Niko Bath Time for toddlers, Busy Day Mechanic for curious little explorers, and Max at Night for bedtime reading. Older age groups will enjoy illustrated stories such as The Elephant and the Sea and Strong Like Me. Each book is carefully selected to match children’s ages. 

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

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s incredibly inspiring to see over 4,800 children already benefitting from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Wandsworth, just weeks after launch. This rapid uptake shows the real appetite among families to nurture a love of reading from the very start. Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, thousands of children will now grow up surrounded by books, with all the educational and emotional benefits that brings.” 

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “Reading is the foundation of learning, and this programme gives children across Wandsworth the very best start in life. 

“The incredible sign-up rate so far shows just how much enthusiasm there is amongst local families for building a culture of reading. 

“I encourage even more families to register so every child can benefit, and I am delighted to see the Imagination Library in Wandsworth continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Families with children aged 0-4 were invited to a Dolly Parton-themed event in Roehampton Library today to celebrate the launch of the Imagination Library in Wandsworth. 

The event featured a child-friendly rhyme and story time session led by Sarah Jayne as The Dolly Parton Experience®, who brought a touch of Nashville to Wandsworth. It also gave families a chance to learn more about the programme. 

Diana Delgado Lazo, who attended the launch with 8-month-old daughter Valentina Barbour Delgado, said: “The event was a great insight into the programme. It was fun, engaging, and really showed how special it will be to get a book each month. We’ve already received our first book and can’t wait for the second.” 

Families with children under five are encouraged to register today and start receiving their free books every month.