Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Gets a Big Investment from the NSW Government

As part of the Brighter Beginnings initiative, the State Government recently announced it will allocate $8 million in funding over the next five years to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, which will benefit the Moree Plains and, currently, 24 other NSW Local Government Areas.

Children eligible for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library receive a free age-appropriate culturally-awareness book once a month from the time they are born until they turn five years old. Scientific evidence has identified these as crucial years for a child’s early-learning literacy development. The program also encourages a love for reading and learning.

Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson said the funding announcement is good news for a great program.

“The Imagination Library currently supports 3,000 NSW children and the Brighter Beginnings funding means that number can increase to 15,000 statewide”, said Mayor Johnson.

“To date the program’s Moree Plains joint service run at the hospital by Council and Hunter New England Health staff has been a success with 61 registered applications, which is every single child born in the Shire since it started in January this year. The funding will aid the amazing work the teams are doing.”

Every child living in the Shire born on and after January 1, 2022, qualifies for the Imagination Library. Children do not need to have been born in the Moree Plains but they do need to be registered to participate.

Each book comes with a ‘tip sheet’ that engages with the story and encourages children’s language development. It also creates a fun learning environment in the home for parents and children.

Council’s Community, Culture and Libraries Manager Alisa Akins said the Imagination Library is a remarkable program because reading is so important to children’s quality of life.

“Dr Suess once said, ‘'The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you'll go’ and it’s something we believe in at Moree Community Library. The Imagination Library is an excellent example of this in action”, said Ms. Akins.

“The program is making a difference in the lives of the next generation, and we relish in being a part of its delivery.”

“Not only do we assist with promotion and enquiries, but a number of the books have also made their way into some of our other programs, which lets us provide feedback and helps the Imagination Library in return”, said Ms. Akins.

To register a child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, please head to the Imagination Library Australia website.

The Imagination Library first began in 1995 and has since provided over 150 million free books to children in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Australia.

In NSW, the program is supported by the NSW Department of Education and United Way Australia, a non-profit organisation focused on improving lives and strengthening communities.