Country music icon Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been rolled out in Cumberland City, helping to improve literacy skills in young children.
Dedicated to inspiring a love of reading from a young age, the free book-gifting program is available for every child born in 2022 in the Cumberland Local Government Area (LGA) until they turn five.
Each month, the registered child will be sent a brand new, age-appropriate book in the mail, accompanied with information and advice for parents on engaging with their child while reading aloud.
Founded by Dolly Parton over 20 years ago, the Imagination Library program has seen over 160 million books delivered to children in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
A joint initiative between Cumberland City Council, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and United Way Australia, the early literacy intervention program is designed to help develop better educational outcomes for children.
Launched at Merrylands Library, Cumberland City Council Mayor Lisa Lake said the community has a responsibility to ensure children have the right resources to improve their literacy skills.
“Early childhood census data shows children in the Cumberland LGA are lagging below the state average when it comes to literacy and communication skills,” Mayor Lake said.
“This is a practical approach to better equip young children and provide them with the resources to advance their literacy skills.”
Although the books will only be in English, Mayor Lake said all the books sent out will come with tips that will be translated into various languages for parents on how to read to their child.
“By the time the kids turn five and start school, they’re going to have a bookshelf full of lovely books.”
33-year-old first time mum Brooke Sveics is especially looking forward to receiving reading tips through the program.
“Any tricks and tips you can get to make it a bit more comfortable and seamless to get the most out of the opportunity is really good,” Ms Sveics said.
“Particularly as a new mum, understanding age appropriate books and making sure you’re reading the books that are right for them is really exciting.”
Parents are encouraged to register their child into the program through the online parent portal at imaginationlibrary.com/au or at their nearest Cumberland City Library, where more information about the program can also be obtained.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.