How it works 

Registered children will receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book addressed to them in the post each month, until their 5th birthday.  All books in the Imagination Library are published by Penguin Random House UK and carefully selected by a panel of experts in early childhood development and reading. The selections are refreshed regularly so families with multiple children will receive new books to enjoy.  The frequency and duration of the Imagination Library’s book-gifting is what makes the programme unique and has a wide-ranging impact on communication, school readiness and literacy development.

Your child's first book

The first book every child will receive, regardless of age, will be ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ by Beatrix Potter. This is the ‘Welcome Book’ introducing your family to the programme. After that, the books your child receives will be based on their year of birth.

When you receive the package, you'll find a QR code that you can scan to find tips on how to enjoy books with your child. 

Who can take part

Any child aged under 5 living in Hackney can register to join the Imagination Library. If you have more than one child under 5, each child may register. 

How to register 

You can register in two ways:

1) You can register online using the Imagination Library’s form using the link below

2) You can register via a physical form available at Hackney’s Children Centers, Children and Family Hubs and Hackney libraries 

What happens next 

After you sign up, books will be sent to your home in the post. The package will be addressed to your child which can make it feel more personal and exciting.  The books are ordered one month in advance, so there will be a delay before the first book arrives to allow for the set-up and initiation admin.  For example, if you register in January 2026 your first book will arrive in March 2026. After this, the book will arrive monthly.

If you move or want to cancel 

If you’re moving home or no longer want to receive books, let us know by email at [email protected]. 

Using your child's information 

We need this information about you and your child:

• date of birth, so the books they receive are age-appropriate 

• home address, so we can post the books directly to them 

• name, so we can address the package to the child 

For more information, view the Imagination Library privacy policy.

If you have any questions about the Imagination Library or need help registering your child, contact us by email at [email protected].