Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Cork
Cork Healthy Cities is delighted to support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library which is an international book-gifting programme which provides free, high-quality, developmentally appropriate books to children from birth to age five in participating communities. Over 150 million children’s books have been gifted since the programme’s inception in 1995! The Imagination Library was first launched in the Republic of Ireland in early 2019 by The Childhood Development Initiative Tallaght.
Let’s Grow Together Infant & Childhood Partnerships CLG (formerly Young Knocknaheeny Area Based Childhood Programme) is leading the Imagination Library’s introduction to Cork with support from the Cork Interagency Working Group and funding partners. An Post is sponsoring the delivery of all books to children in the Cork pilot communities, which is a considerable contribution to the running of the programme. All funds raised go directly towards serving local children and families within Cork communities.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Cork will put books into the hands and hearts of approximately 3,000 children. The Imagination Library is currently available to babies, toddlers, young children and their families living in the following communities: the Northwest sector of Cork City (Let’s Grow Together catchment area), Mahon, Carrigtwohill, Ashbourne House and Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre. It is hoped that in the future the Imagination Library can be expanded and grow into more areas in Cork city and county and indeed throughout Ireland.
Families with children from birth up to the age of five living in these areas can register and a book will be delivered to their home every month, personally addressed to each eligible child, to start building their own home library. It is completely free to families!
It is never too early for parents and caregivers to share and explore books with their baby. Should a child register at birth, they will receive a collection of 60 books by the time they turn 5 and graduate from the programme! This effort creates a gifting experience, making books exciting and accessible, and it shows children that someone is thinking of them.
To register for this programme go to https://letsgrowtogether.ie/get-involved/dolly-parton-imagination-library/
Click HERE to view PDF of Flyer and Application Form
