Children under five across Royal Greenwich are now able to receive a free book every month through a new partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has joined Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the internationally recognised book-gifting programme that provides children with free, high-quality books from birth until their fifth birthday.
Working in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation and People's Postcode Lottery, the programme will help families across the borough build a love of reading from an early age, with books delivered directly to children's homes every month at no cost.
Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, the Imagination Library was created to inspire a love of reading and improve literacy outcomes for children. More than 200 million books have now been distributed to children worldwide.
The initiative forms part of the council's commitment to giving every child what they need to fulfil their potential by supporting early language development, literacy skills and school readiness.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures, said:
"In Royal Greenwich, we want every child to have the best possible start in life. Sharing a story together is one of the most powerful ways to support a child's development. As well as boosting language, imagination and confidence, reading together helps children feel secure, strengthens family bonds and supports their emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.
“We're proud to join this fantastic initiative and make free books available to young children across the borough. This programme will help ensure that more families can enjoy the benefits of reading together at home, while helping children develop a lifelong love of books and learning before they even start school."
The books are carefully selected by early years and literacy experts and are tailored to each stage of a child's development, ensuring families receive age-appropriate titles throughout the programme.
Reading regularly with young children has been shown to support communication skills, strengthen family bonds and improve educational outcomes. By increasing access to books in the home, the programme aims to help more children start school ready to learn and thrive.
How to register
Families living in Royal Greenwich with a child under five can register for the programme online.
Notes to editors
About Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is the world's largest book-gifting programme. Since its launch in 1995, it has provided more than 200 million books to children across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the United States, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading.
Eligibility
The programme is open to children under five living in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Eligible children will receive one free book every month until their fifth birthday.