Wandsworth Council

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Free books for Wandsworth children aged 0-5, every month until their fifth birthday.

About the Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free programme that gifts books to children. The programme was started by Dolly Parton in 1995. She was inspired by her father, who couldn’t read or write. The programme’s goal is to help children everywhere love reading.

This project is supported by national funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered in partnership with Dolly Parton’s charity, the Dollywood Foundation.

How does the Imagination Library work?

Once your child is registered, they will receive a free high-quality, age-appropriate book addressed to them in the mail each month, until their fifth birthday, completely free of charge.

All titles 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. Each title is allocated to a specific age group, ensuring the books are age appropriate.

This selection is 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.

Who can register?

Any child from birth to age five living in Wandsworth. If you have more than one child under five, each child may participate.

Where can I register?

You can register for the Imagination Library using our online form, below

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]

You can also register using a paper form:

• At your local Family Hub
• At your local library
• With your health visitor
• At school
• At early years providers

What happens after I sign up?

After you sign up, it can take up to eight weeks for your first book to arrive. The book will be sent in the post to your home and will have your child’s name on it.

What if I move or want to cancel?

Please email [email protected] if you are moving or if you no longer want to receive books. We will then update your child’s information accordingly.

Why do you need the child’s information?

We need to collect minimal information to send the books to the child. We will ask for:

• The child’s date of birth – this means the books they receive are age-appropriate
• The child’s address – so we can post the books directly to them at home
• The child’s name – each book package will be addressed to the child directly, so it feels more personal and exciting when it arrives each month

If you have any queries about how the child’s data is processed, please visit Privacy Policy - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library