Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library comes to Wandsworth
Thousands of children across Wandsworth aged 0-5 will get a free book every month after the borough launches Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 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.
The borough has brought this global phenomenon to Wandsworth families. Now, the youngest readers in Wandsworth can benefit from a “completely free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday.” It is open to all children aged 0-5.
Registration is now open, with books arriving to families from September onwards. Follow the link to 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.
“I have always known that if we encourage children to dream, we give them the chance to live those dreams,” Dolly Parton said. “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, Wandsworth says, “builds on Wandsworth’s commitment to supporting families and children.” As part of the Year of Play, the council is 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 its year as London Borough of Culture 2025, “continuing a legacy of creativity, community spirit, and cultural enrichment.”
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.
Click here to learn more about the Imagination Library.
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