An education charity founded by country and western star Dolly Parton is joining forces with local charities LCVS | United Way and the Reader Organisation to help get young children in Everton and other areas in Liverpool interested in books and reading.
Dolly’s Imagination Library operates in the USA, Canada and the UK and gives children a new book each month from birth until they are five. This project aims to reach 1,000 children in the next five years.
Dolly Parton said: I am so excited that we can work with LCVS | United Way to launch the Imagination Library in Liverpool. We will be working 9 to 5 – and beyond – to make sure we do all we can to inspire as many kids as possible to love books and to love reading!
The Imagination Library will be initially delivered in Everton by local charity LCVS | United Way with support from the Reader Organisation that will hold reading events with children and their carers around Everton. The project aims to increase the school readiness of participating children, and inspire love of reading in their families.
Alan Lewis, Chief Executive of LCVS | United Way said: This is part of a city-wide campaign to promote a love of reading as well as improve school performance. We are delighted to bring the Imagination Library to Liverpool.
Frank Cottrell Boyce, supporter of the Reader Organisation said: The Reader Organisation has relocated to the Friary Centre in Everton and its partnership projects like this that will help them further spread their reading revolution into the heart of our communities.
LCVS| United Way are looking for corporate sponsors and donors to fund the Imagination Library in Everton and other areas of the city as part of an effort to create Reading Villages across Liverpool.
If you live in Everton and wish to receive books for your child, or you want to sponsor this programme, contact LCVS | United Way on 0151 227 5177 or e-mail info@lcvs.org.uk.