Families at Browns Plains are being inspired to encourage reading from an early age, thanks to the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in May.
A unique book-gifting program that sees registered children from birth to age five receive free-of-charge high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a global initiative designed to stir a love of reading in the hearts of children everywhere.
Originally launched in 1995 in the Country Music superstar’s hometown of Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library first began in Australia in 2014, when United Way Australia (UWA) collaborated with Dolly Parton’s organisation to make Australia the fourth nation and third continent to offer the literacy-focused charitable program.
As a result of generous funding granted to UWA by The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, The Benevolent Society’s Early Years Centre is now working in close partnership with the Queensland office of UWA to facilitate the Imagination Library at Browns Plains. The initiative was successfully launched at The Benevolent Society’s Beaudesert Early Years Centre early this year.
“We’re thrilled to again join forces with UWA to further expand reach of this hugely significant program and bring the benefits of early years literacy to the children and families of Browns Plains,” said Marisa Phillips, The Benevolent Society’s Manager – Child and Family Services.
Under the management of UWA, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached more than 10,000 children, with more than 235,000 books distributed to Australian family homes.
UWA’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library national 2018 Half Yearly – Year on Year Comparison Survey of 181 parents with one or more children enrolled in the program showed:
- More than 70 per cent of parents or carers stated that the books and tip sheets through the program had a positive influence on the frequency and/or amount of time spent reading with their child/children.
- More than 70 per cent said the program had an influence on their confidence and ability to read to their children and 30 per cent said one of the main benefits of the program was bonding with their child increased quality time spent together.
For more information and to register to participate in the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, phone The Benevolent Society on 1800 236 762 or visit the United Way Australia website: https://unitedway.com.au/what-we-do/imagination-library/.
Local businesses are welcome to contact UWA for tax-deductible fundraising opportunities to see Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library grow in Australia.