Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library pairs up with Brighter Beginnings initiative

Eligible parents in New South Wales have been encouraged by the State’s Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, to sign up for the popular Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiative. 

Launched in NSW in January 2022, the initiative sees children from birth to five years of age receive a free, new, age-appropriate book every month. The Library has partnered with the NSW Government to enrich children’s early literacy skills under the $8 million program as part of the Brighter Beginnings initiative.

The Fairfield chapter of the initiative was recently launched by Ms Mitchell at the Cabramatta Library, marking the 25th local government area in NSW to offer the program. 400 books have already been given to children, with another 700 to go out in coming weeks. 

“This early literacy program aims to help our littlest learners reach their developmental potential and start school with a solid foundation for lifelong learning,” Ms Mitchell said.

The initiative has proven popular internationally, and in NSW the partnership between United Way Australia, local councils and NSW Health seeks to ensure that eligible families can easily sign up and be supported with additional advice.

Speaking on behalf of United Way Australia CEO Clayton Noble said he was excited to be partnering with the NSW Government and local councils for this program.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be a big boost to supporting more children across the state to enjoy reading in those crucial early years,” he said.

More information about the initiative can be found on the Brighter Beginnings hub