Hackney joins Dolly Parton's global book-gifting mission

Hackney Council’s Children & Family Hubs have joined Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the world’s most celebrated book-gifting programme, to deliver free, age-appropriate books straight to the homes of every registered child under five every month.

The Imagination Library has a deeply personal origin. Dolly launched it in 1995 as a tribute to her father, one of the wisest men she knew, whose inability to read or write limited the opportunities available to him. She set out to make sure no child would face those same limits. Nearly 30 years later, she has gifted more than 200 million books to children in communities across the world. Hackney is now one of them.

“The foundations for learning are built in the earliest years of life. Having access to high quality books at home is one of the most effective ways to strengthen language development and readiness for school. It also provides children with the opportunity to learn by having fun.

“We know that not all families have the same access to books, and that gap can widen inequalities. Making sure every child in Hackney, whatever their background, can grow up with their own books at home, narrows the gap and gives them the means to thrive at school and beyond.”

Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Young People

“Reading together is one of the simplest and most joyful things families can do. We know how much those small moments, like storytime before bed, can spark imagination and connection, and help children make sense of the world.

“Every child deserves the chance to discover the magic of books, and the Imagination Library means that every child can grow up surrounded by stories that inspire curiosity and confidence, no matter their background”.

Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney