Over 6 million free books gifted, new community programmes launched, and literacy gains celebrated
The Dollywood Foundation UK is delighted to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, which celebrates a year of growth and impact for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the UK and beyond. The report highlights the continued growth of the Imagination Library and the impact of its mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading in every child, and the latest figures show that vision in action.
Celebrating a Milestone Year
Since its launch in 2007, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has mailed over 6 million books to children under five throughout the UK and beyond. In 2024 alone, 674,819 books were delivered to more than 76,000 young readers, thanks to the efforts of 330 local programme partners who make the dream of a book each month a reality.
Expanding Reach Across the UK
Two new community-wide programmes launched in East Riding of Yorkshire and the London Borough of Lambeth, extending the reach of the Imagination Library to even more children and families. By year’s end, thousands of books had already reached homes in these new communities.
Across Scotland, the Imagination Library was showcased at a three-day Scottish Parliament exhibition, generating cross-party interest and inspiring new collaboration. The event also marked the beginning of a partnership with Better World Books, which is helping to expand access to free books for children across Scotland.
Evidence of Impact
Research highlighted in the report continues to demonstrate the life-changing impact of the Imagination Library. In North Lincolnshire, children enrolled in the programme achieved significantly higher early literacy results—67.1% reached a good level of development compared to 52.6% of their peers. In Renfrewshire, more than 100 early years professionals reported that participation in the programme has strengthened family engagement and raised the profile of reading for pleasure in their communities.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Annual Report underscores how simple acts—like sharing a story—can spark lifelong change. With the dedication of local partners, funders, and families, The Dollywood Foundation continues to further its mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading in children across the United Kingdom, ensuring that every child can grow up in a home full of books and possibility.