For many UK families, monthly Imagination Library books are helping families discover, connect with, and make greater use of their local libraries.
As children develop a love of reading at home through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, families are discovering new opportunities to read, learn, connect, and spend time together through local library programmes and services.
In the latest annual parent survey, more than one in four families (27.9%) reported visiting their library more often since joining the programme. Libraries themselves report increased attendance at children’s events, higher borrowing of children’s books and stronger engagement with families.
Research published in Public Library Quarterly in 2025 reinforces what library staff have long observed. Libraries partnering with the Imagination Library saw a 20% increase in early years storytime attendance, a 50% increase in the borrowing of children’s materials and record levels of active library membership.
“Across the board, library professionals agreed that a partnership between public libraries and the Imagination Library just made sense.” – Public Library Quarterly
That partnership is already making a real difference in communities across the UK.
A Community Story from Dundee
When Councillor Lee Mills first discovered Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, he immediately saw the potential for children and families in Dundee’s Lochee ward, where more than half of children live in areas among the 20% most deprived in Scotland.
The challenge was finding the right local partner to bring the programme to life. That partner was Sarah Johnston, Library Supervisor at Charleston Library.
At the time, Charleston Library had been earmarked for closure. Sarah recognised the potential of the Imagination Library—not only to inspire a love of reading among local children, but also to help secure the future of the library itself. Together, Lee and Sarah launched the Charleston Imagination Library in June 2025.
From the beginning, the programme became about much more than books.
At the programme’s launch event, one mother arrived with her three-month-old baby. Since becoming a parent, anxiety had made it difficult for her to leave the house, but she came along to sign up for the monthly books. That day, she stayed for a Bookbug story and rhyme session, registered her son for a library card, learned about future activities, and left feeling confident enough to return.
It’s a story that perfectly illustrates what libraries do best.
Libraries are much more than places to borrow books. They are trusted community spaces that connect families not only to books, but to people, support and opportunities.
In Charleston, the Imagination Library has helped break down barriers for families who previously felt libraries and community services were “not for them”. A simple conversation about enrolling a child in the programme often becomes an opportunity to build relationships, answer questions, and connect families with wider community support.
The impact has been tangible. Since launching the programme, children’s book borrowing at Charleston Library has increased by 26%. The success of the programme has now expanded across all three libraries in Councillor Mills’ Lochee ward, with discussions underway alongside Leisure and Culture Dundee to grow the Imagination Library further across the city.
Sarah believes the programme helped save Charleston Library from closure.
Strengthening Libraries, One Book at a Time
Libraries are among the most valuable community assets any community can offer young children and families.
By inspiring a love of reading from an early age, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helps children and families discover the wider world of books, stories, and opportunities available through their local libraries.
Every book delivered to a child’s home helps create positive reading experiences that families can build upon through visits to their local library. Together, the Imagination Library and public libraries create more opportunities for children to discover the joy of reading, for families to connect with their communities, and for young imaginations to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, and Be More.
Because when children develop a love of reading and books, entire communities benefit.
New to the Imagination Library?
Check availability, enrol a child, or learn how to start a programme in the UK by visiting imaginationlibrary.com/uk.