Dolly Parton book scheme – access to a free book scheme
A council has announced that all children under the age of five living in East Yorkshire will have access to a free book scheme initiated by country singer Dolly Parton. The Imagination Library, which provides children with a free book every month, was previously only available to looked-after children, those on protection plans, and children in need. However, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) has decided to invest £500,000 to expand the scheme.
Dolly Parton introduced the scheme in Rotherham in 2007, inspired by her father’s struggle with reading. Ms. Parton has already distributed five million books in the UK, including traditional stories, rhymes, works by renowned authors and illustrators, and newly published titles. Councillor Anne Handley, the leader of ERYC, expressed her satisfaction in expanding the scheme, which was initially introduced to the county five years ago. She emphasized the importance of the scheme for children in their early years and mentioned plans to develop a tailored offer for children with special educational needs and disabilities in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The books will be delivered by post and will also be available at council-run nursery schools and through 300 private, voluntary, and independent providers of early years childcare.
