Southwark Council and DialAFlight have joined forces to promote Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Imagination Library has been created to ensure every child born in 2016 will receive a free book in the post every month up until their fifth birthday. The country singer began the book scheme in 1995 to promote free education and a love of reading all young children should have access to.

Children from the London borough of Southwark are now able to register; this will be the first area in London to adopt the initiative. 

Books will be tailored to the age of the child to ensure a maximum ability to engage.

“This program is one of the most important ways I know to improve the educational opportunities for children in your community,” Dolly said.

“Seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world. I hope you’ll agree to become a champion of the Imagination Library in your community. You will be amazed at the impact this simple gift can have on the lives of children and their families,” she added.

Dolly reads to children

“We are delighted to be working with both the Dollywood Foundation and DialAFlight to give free books to the youngest residents in our borough,” Southwark Council leader, Peter John said.

Children born on or after Tuesday December 1, 2015 are entitled the scheme. The initiative focuses on allowing all children from different backgrounds a chance to learn.

“My hope is that one day every kid in London will be part of the Imagination Library and when that day finally arrives we can all look back and say it started right here,” Dolly said.

For more information,

e-mail: imaginationlibrary@southwark.gov.uk

or visit Imagination Library