Scheme helps youngsters build their own library of 60 books
A Manx charity working '9 to 5' to get a special initiative up and running has successfully launched the scheme in Douglas.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a gifting program that posts free books to children, from birth to age five, no matter their family's income.
It has now been made possible in the Manx capital thanks to funding from the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, which will support the programme in Douglas for its first year.
If you live in Douglas, you can now register your child HERE.
HISTORY
Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write the country singer started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county in East Tennessee.
In the years since it has expanded throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Ireland.
Each child enrolled in the programme receives 12 carefully selected, age-appropriate books each year, delivered directly to their home.
Two million books are gifted each month and almost a quarter of a billion have been gifted in total.
The project is expanded into each new area by a local partner - they're responsible for raising the funds to cover the cost of the books (plus postage and packaging).
Back when the Manx group launched in 2024, it said that based on the 2021 census, and considering birth rate and population forecasts, it was estimated that to fund books for all eligible children it would need to raise approximately £90,000 per year.
Charity Director Trish McDonough says research shows that access to books in the early years supports language development and school readiness, and by delivering books directly to families the Imagination Library helps remove barriers to early literacy:
Trustee Stacey Meakin added: “The response to bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the Isle of Man has been overwhelmingly positive.
"In addition to the exceptionally generous donation from the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, which has enabled registrations to open in Douglas, many individuals and organisations across the island have donated, offered encouragement, spoken about their love of reading and shared how much they have been inspired by Dolly Parton.
"We hope Douglas is the first step towards bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to every part of the island and ensuring that books continue to arrive month after month for years to come.”
Regional Director of the Dollywood Foundation, Meg Fletcher, added: "We’re thrilled to be launching Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the first time on the Isle of Man!
"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the trustees of the Isle of Man Imagination Library, children under five in Douglas will be able to develop a love of books and reading that lasts a lifetime. We hope that families enjoy their books each month and look forward to hearing feedback in the coming months.”
Anyone who feels they may be able to help, whether by supporting a new area or helping sustain the programme long term, is invited to visit the charity's website HERE to learn more, donate online, or get in touch by emailing books@imaginationlibrary.im
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