Dolly Parton Imagination Library celebrates launch of 2024 titles

Children’s authors have gathered to celebrate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library’s Book List for the UK and Ireland. 

The launch of the latest collection of books for the charity took place in central London on Monday evening (22nd January). The Dollywood Foundation’s flagship book gifting programme, which aims to inspire a love of reading in children from birth to age five, delivers books every month at no cost to their families, through funding shared by Parton and local community partners. 

Inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, the singer and philanthropist started her Imagination Library in 1995 for children in her home county in Tennessee. Now the programme spans five countries and gifts around three million free books each month to children, regardless of the family’s income. Last year the 200 millionth book was donated. 

The foundation said: “Research shows the Imagination Library has a significant impact on children and their families. A recent study demonstrated a 40% improvement in school readiness levels, and parents reported that bonding through shared quality time was a key benefit.” 

The launch hosted by the foundation’s publishing partner Penguin Random House, showcased the titles selected for 2024. Those attending heard from some of those involved in the partnership-based programme.  

Marion Gillooly, executive director of The Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “Dolly is passionate about giving children the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. Children have a right to learn, and to enjoy creative and cultural experiences, and the Imagination Library offers a fantastic introduction to the magic of sharing books and stories. Sparking a love of books early on has huge benefits that last a lifetime.” 

Francesca Dow, m..d. of Penguin Random House Children’s, described how the publisher has worked with the Imagination Library since 2008, sending out almost six million books. She added:  “We are committed to supporting the Imagination Library in their mission to spark imagination and kindle a love of books and reading in as many children across the country as possible.” 

Colin Brabazon, partnerships and community libraries manager for North Lincolnshire Council, who acts as book selection committee member, said: “Every year, at the end of our book selection process, we lay all the books chosen for the next year’s programme out on a very large table.  

“It’s the moment when it all comes together, when we see the range and quality of the books that will be dropping on doormats in participating communities across the country. It’s also the moment when we look forward to the anticipation and excitement our selected books will bring and the impact they will make on children and families.” 

For more information, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/UK or email info@imaginationlibrary.co.uk.