Country singer Dolly Parton has a backed a new scheme that will see children born this year in one south London borough provided with free books until they are five.
The American singer-songwriter’s Dollywood Foundation has teamed up with DialAFlight to introduce the Imagination Library to Southwark.
The initiative will see children living in the borough born between December last year and this year given a free book every month until their fifth birthday.
The Imagination Library was launched by the singer, who turns 70 on Tuesday, in 1995 to promote childhood literacy by giving children from all backgrounds access to books.
Mrs Parton said she hoped the scheme would one day be in place across the capital.
She said: “My hope is that day every kid in London will be part of the imagination library and when that day finally arrives we can all look back and say it started right here.”
Southwark Council leader Peter John said: “We are delighted to be working with both the Dollywood Foundation and DialAFlight to give free books to the youngest residents in our borough.
“With many families still feeling the pinch it has never been so important to ensure that children have access to books so they can learn and develop as much possible in their early years.
“Our libraries already run some wonderful sessions for the under five age group, with a huge range of books available for parents to read with their children, but it’s fantastic that this scheme will also allow children and families to start building up a library of their very own.”
Parents must register their children before the end of the year for them to be eligible to receive books and the scheme only applies to those living in Southwark.
A launch will take place at Camberwell Library on Tuesday.
To register visit http://www.southwark.gov.uk/imaginationlibrary
