Dolly Parton Imagination Library Launch

Dear Colleagues,

We are absolutely delighted to let you know that Lewisham has joined Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a globally recognised early literacy programme that provides children with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday.

This is a significant opportunity for children and families across Lewisham. Through the programme, thousands of children will be able to build their own home library, develop a love of stories and benefit from regular shared reading experiences that support communication, language, literacy and school readiness.

However, our ambition is not simply to distribute books. We want to maximise the impact of every story.

Introducing the Shared Stories Partnership

Following discussions with the Imagination Library team, we have successfully agreed a broader partnership approach that will support Lewisham's vision of creating an integrated communication, language and literacy pathway for children and families.

As part of this approach, participating providers will receive copies of the monthly Imagination Library titles, enabling children to experience the same stories both at home and within their early years setting.

This means that each month:

• Children can receive a book at home through Imagination Library
•  The same story can be shared within your setting
• Family Hubs and libraries can feature the same story
• Families can be encouraged to continue learning and conversations beyond the setting

By aligning stories across home, early years provision and community services, we hope to strengthen children's language development, vocabulary, comprehension, imagination and enjoyment of reading.

The Launch Event will be taking place on Thursday 15 October 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Deptford Lounge

Please share this with Parents and Carers and along with the postcard below.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Postcard