Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire ECSPB
Renfrewshire Council · 13 March 2025
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 13 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Page 1 of 8 To: Education and Children’s Services Policy Board On: 13 March 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Children’s Services ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (the Imagination Library) is a book gifting programme devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children. The programme is available in the USA, Canada, Australia and launched in the UK in 2007. Each month the Dollywood Foundation, in conjunction with local partners, posts a high quality, age-appropriate book to children from birth to age 5. The books are specially wrapped and addressed to the child and are delivered at no cost to families. 1.2. Through Scottish Government funding, the Imagination Library provides a free book each month to care-experienced, looked after and adopted children in Scotland from birth to age 5. In Renfrewshire, 112 children currently benefit from this programme and a further 675 children have previously received books from the Imagination Library via this funding. Over 26,000 books have been distributed to children in Renfrewshire via this programme to date. 1.3. In March 2021, Renfrewshire Council became the first and only local authority in Scotland to provide a universal programme of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to all children aged 2-5. Funding was allocated to this programme for an initial period of 3 years and extended for a further year in March 2024. 1.4. To date, over 8,200 children across Renfrewshire have received books from the Imagination Library with over 3,300 children currently receiving an age- specific book each month. This represents 64% of the eligible population. Books are carefully selected by a panel of experts and incorporate traditional stories and rhymes, books by a range of different authors, non-fiction texts and books that promote inclusion and diversity. 1.5. As a local affiliate of the Imagination Library, Renfrewshire Council pays approximately £26 per year for each child registered. The Dollywood Foundation meets the remaining cost of approximately £117 per child, per year. Based on our current registration figures, the programme is currently delivered at a cost of approximately £85,800 to Renfrewshire Council annually
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Page 2 of 8 with the remaining £386,100 (approx.) funded by the Dollywood Foundation. To ensure sustainability of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, Council allocated £100,000 of recurring funding at the budget meeting on 27 February 2025. 1.6. The National Literacy Trust’s Annual Literacy Survey (2022) revealed that one in five children have no books of their own at home, highlighting the need for book gifting programmes like the Imagination Library. 1.7. Reading for pleasure has a number of significant benefits, not only on children’s academic attainment but also in relation to their health and wellbeing. A 2015 study by the University of Liverpool found that: - non-readers are 28% more likely than readers to report feelings of depression; - those who don't own a book of their own are twice as likely to have low mental wellbeing; - children who are the most engaged with literacy are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing; - active readers have, on average, demonstrably better mental health than non- readers. 1.8. The National Literacy Trust’s report on ‘Children and Young People’s Reading’ in 2023 found: - positive reading attitudes were associated with higher average reading achievement; - children’s reading enjoyment is at crisis point with just 2 in 5 8-18 year olds enjoying reading - the lowest level of reading enjoyment recorded since 2005; - 56.6% of children do not read for pleasure; - over 70% of children said having books recommended to them and being given books would encourage them to read. 1.9. In 2022, Dr Caroline Zwierzchowska-Dod published ‘Books, Babies and Bonding’ - a U.K-based study to determine the impact of the Imagination Library on parents’ practices/beliefs around shared reading and the impact of shared reading on children in receipt of Imagination Library books. Key findings were: - children who receive the Imagination Library for 12 months or more outperform their peers at 5 years old both in terms of their level of development and early learning goals; - parents reported a variety of positive behaviours including enjoying reading more, reading more frequently, improved parental self-efficacy and exposure to new authors; - 99.5% of parents said their child enjoyed reading with them and felt they had many more books than they would otherwise have bought - this was true across the socio-demographic spectrum. 1.10. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Dollywood Foundation has ambitious plans to work with local partners and organisations to continue to grow the Imagination Library across the world. The Imagination Library in Renfrewshire continues to be referenced as an
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Page 3 of 8 example of good practice as evidenced by the Dollywood Foundation’s ‘Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: UK Impact Report 2024’. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Education and Children’s Services Policy Board are requested to note: [a] the progress to date in relation to the implementation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire; and [b] the allocation of recurring funding of £100,000 by the Council to ensure the sustainability of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Renfrewshire. __________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1. In August 2023, our universal programme of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire reached the milestone of gifting 100,000 books. The Dollywood Foundation, in partnership with Provost Cameron, hosted a civic reception at Paisley Town Hall to recognise this achievement. To date, more than 162,000 Imagination Library books have been gifted to children and families across Renfrewshire. 3.2. The Imagination Library in Renfrewshire is open to all children aged 2-5 who live in Renfrewshire or attend a Renfrewshire-based early years setting. Children on a deferred school year benefit from additional time within the programme to further support their developing literacy skills. 3.3. Early years establishments who achieve 100% registration of children to the Imagination Library are recognised and awarded a certificate of achievement annually. 3.4. Our approach ensures the programme is inclusive and meets the needs of all learners as children can receive books that are age appropriate and/or suitable to their individual stage of development. Parents/carers are supported to register children in a number of ways including online, via paper registration forms, with support from their child’s nursery, via local libraries or with support from Health Visitors. We are proud to offer the Imagination Library to refugees and to families via the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Team to support early English and literacy development. 3.5. We have formed a range of partnerships to support the wider implementation and development of the Imagination Library. These partnerships include: - local authority, partnership and private nurseries - Barnardo’s - Social Work - Housing Associations - Health Visitors - Home-Start Renfrewshire - One-Ren Libraries - Home-Link Service
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Page 4 of 8 3.6. Each year, S5 and S6 pupils from high schools across Renfrewshire are given the opportunity to gain work and volunteering experience by becoming ‘senior readers’. Visiting early years settings on a weekly basis, they read Imagination Library books with children ensuring each child hears the book they receive at least once, and support play-based learning activities linked to these. Over the past 3 years, more than 100 young people from 9 secondary schools have volunteered as positive reading role models for their younger peers. 3.7. Early years classes and centres have embraced the Imagination Library with enthusiasm and have used the Imagination Library books as a context for learning, to encourage family engagement and support pedagogy within playrooms. They regularly organise ‘stay and play’ sessions, family reading sessions, reading cafes, hoe-downs, outdoor reading opportunities and many other innovative activities using Imagination Library books as the context for learning. 3.8. We have established a network of over 100 Imagination Library programme Ambassadors from early years settings and partner agencies across Renfrewshire. Recent evaluation undertaken with them showed: - 91% of Ambassadors indicated that Imagination Library books are used as a vehicle to support wider learning, where appropriate; - 100% of establishments who responded ensure that Imagination Library books are read to the children each month; - 100% of Ambassadors find Imagination Library a useful tool to support family learning and engagement; ‘Dolly Parton's imagination library has not only provided literacy rich opportunities to so many children and families universally but the positive impact it has had on the children within our establishment has inspired our practitioners to weave this through all areas of the curriculum.’ (Ambassador feedback) - 95% of Ambassadors agreed that Imagination Library has raised the profile of reading for pleasure in their establishments and has supported the creation of a reading culture; - 86% of Ambassadors agreed that Imagination Library has increased the amount of reading and storytelling opportunities within their setting; ‘In our setting we have seen a vast improvement in children's love for books and stories. Children are able to stay engaged more in literacy-based experiences and seem to have a better interest in books provided.’ (Ambassador feedback) - 95% of Ambassadors feel that Imagination Library has increased their own and other staff member’s knowledge of different children’s texts; - 100% of Ambassadors agreed that Imagination Library supports children's learning/development in early years settings and helps prepare children for starting school; ‘Since embedding Imagination Library, parents/carers engagement levels in family learning have increased. Where Imagination Library books are used to support children's learning, development and
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Page 5 of 8 engagement, linking a strong connection between home and nursery, families confidently share their experiences, demonstrating quality time spent between parents/carers and children.’ (Ambassador feedback) 3.9. The Imagination Library in Renfrewshire is active on Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram to engage parents/carers with the programme, to raise awareness, to promote the benefits of early reading and to highlight good practice from early years settings. 3.10. As we continue to seek funding opportunities to extend our programme of Imagination to children from birth, we are running a range of pilot programmes to measure impact in children from 0-2 including: - provision of Imagination Library to children aged 0-5 in West Johnstone and Douglas Street ELCCs; - extending Imagination Library to children aged 0-5 in partnership with Home-Start in Renfrewshire and Barnardo’s and families they support; - a pilot with 10 individual families with babies born in 2024. 3.11. We continually monitor the impact of Imagination Library in Renfrewshire to ensure we maximise the benefits of this programme for our children and families. Our recent parent/carer survey (October 2024) found the following: - 96% of parents/carers agreed that receiving books from Imagination Library motivates them to read more with their child; - 100% of parents/carers said their children enjoy receiving a book personally addressed to them each month; - 99% of children are reading a greater variety of books thanks to Imagination Library; - 83% of parents/carers feel their children are more excited about reading as a result of receiving books from Imagination Library; - 99% of parents/carers are satisfied with the quality of books they receive; - 92% of parents/carers feel that receiving books from Imagination Library is helping to prepare their child for school; ‘This is a fabulous initiative and we are very grateful to be part of it. It provides all children with a level playing field regardless of their circumstances in life. Thank you for making this possible.’ ‘Being dyslexic I hated reading, but I feel that the excitement my child has for her books has given me the confidence to push myself. Now we love reading together and I’m starting to enjoy reading as well as our time together.’ ‘We love receiving our book every month. It’s so exciting to see which book it will be. I love that all the books help to teach my daughter something - kindness, compassion, friendships etc. The book choices are fantastic and great that they aren’t all really popular authors so we don’t already have the books gifted. An amazing initiative!’ ‘As a parent and teacher I think this is a fantastic resource and I am so pleased that it is available for Renfrewshire children. It not only encourages a love of reading in young children but it also helps to develop vocabulary and deepen imaginations as the children explore the different stories. I hope all parents/carers sign up as soon as their child turns 2 as it is just fantastic!’ (Parent/carer feedback)
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Page 6 of 8 3.12. The Imagination Library in Renfrewshire has been identified as an example of good practice which has been highlighted on a local, national and international scale: - our programme leaders have been nominated for a Council ‘Living our Values’ award; - Renfrewshire’s Imagination Library has regularly been featured in the Dollywood Foundation’s annual reports and impact surveys; - the programme leaders were the winners of the Scottish Book Trust’s ‘Learning Professional Award’ in 2023; - we were invited to share the work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire at ‘The Gathering’ event in the SECC in 2022 and at the Houses of Parliament in 2023. 3.13. Children’s Services will contiue to work with all of the early learning and child care services to ensure the widest reach. The ambition is that 100% of all eligible children are signed up as members and recive their books. 3.14. At the Council budget meeting on 27 February 2025, recurring funding of £100,000 was allocated to ensure the sustainability of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Renfrewshire. __________________________________________________ Implications of this report 1. Financial Council allocated £100,000 in the bugdet on a recurring basis to ensure the sustainability of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Renfrewshire. 2. HR and Organisational Development None. 3. Community/Council Planning Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all - The Imagination Library ensures that all children aged 2-5 across Renfrewshire have equal access to books and the benefits associated with these. Working together to improve outcomes - The Imagination Library has been shown to improve family relationships, health and wellbeing and attainment at school. 4. Legal We will continue to review the implementation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire in accordance with data handling and processing guidelines, ensuring compliance with GDPR. 5. Property/Assets None.
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Page 7 of 8 6. Information Technology None. 7. Equality and Human Rights The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health and Safety None. 9. Procurement None. 10. Risk None. 11. Privacy Impact None. 12. Climate Risk None. 13. Children’s Rights The provision of the free books to children under the age of 5 years via the Dolly Parton Imagination Library meets and promotes the following article of the UNCRC: Article 2 (no discrimination); Article 3 (best interests of the child); Article 28 (access to education) and Article 31 (rest, play, culture, arts). 14. Cosla Policy Position None. List of Background Papers (a) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: UK Impact Report 2024 (The Dollywood Foundation) (b) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Renfrewshire: 2024 Parent/Carer Survey Results (Renfrewshire Council) The foregoing background papers will be retained within Children’s Services for inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer(s) within the service are: Gail Abraham, Social Work Practice & Process Development Co-Ordinator, 07717 348 452, gail.abraham@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Page 8 of 8 Julie Paterson, Literacy & Languages Development Officer, 07534 158 232 julie.paterson@renfrewshire.gov.uk ___________________________________________________________________ Children’s Services GA/JP Author(s): Gail Abraham - Social Work Practice & Process Development Co-Ordinator gail.abraham@renfrewshire.gov.uk 07717 348 452 Julie Paterson - Literacy & Languages Development Officer julie.paterson@renfrewshire.gov.uk 07534 158 232
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United Kingdom Inspire a Love of Reading The Story So Far ImaginationLibrary.com
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Contents Letter From Dolly..................................................................... How You Can Help.................................................................. Why Imagination Library......................................................... Local Programme Partners: Renfrewshire............................ Local Programme Partners: Southwark................................. Local Programme Partners: North Lincolnshire................... Our Impact................................................................................ Books and Book Selection...................................................... How We Are Funded and How the Programme Works...... Contact Us................................................................................ 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 14 16 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading gifting free books to enrolled children every month from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland. Since launching in 1995, the Imagination Library has become the most impactful, early childhood book-gifting program in the world, having mailed over 220 million high-quality, age-appropriate books. Currently, over 3 million books are mailed each month! 2 UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
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“Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission. In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to millions of children. “Of course, I have not done this alone. The real heroes of our story are the thousands of local organizations who have embraced my dream and made it their own. They raise millions of dollars each year and wake up every day with a passion to make sure their kids have every opportunity to succeed. “Hi everybody. This is Dolly. “Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me because I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy. He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams. “It’s been quite a journey but we have so much more left to do. I would love for your community to join our family so please take the time to explore our website. Let’s share this dream that all children should grow up in a home full of books. “The first step is always the hardest, but you’ll never know unless you try…” Letter from Dolly 3UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a simple way to invest in our future. We gift a high-quality, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth until age five. Just imagine if every child was made to feel extra special by receiving a book addressed just to them from Dolly Parton! The excitement of opening that “gift” every month with their special person and exploring new adventures and wonders of the world. This is what we like to call “Dolly’s magic” and where children’s dreams are born. Because children will do what they love, reading their favorite books again and again, we help them build a foundation of language and literacy that sets them on a path to make their own unique mark in the world. Gifting a book is simple, but the dreaming it sparks is beyond Imagination.[1] [1] Zwierzchowska-Dod, C. (2022) ‘Books Babies and Bonding: the impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on parental engagement in book-sharing with children 0-5 years old’ Swansea University Do you share our vision? What Our Local Programme Partners Do Join us as a Local Programme Partner or Supporter! Help us inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in our youngest children The Dollywood Foundation UK is committed to investing in communities across the UK. Our vision is for all children under five to have access to the Imagination Library. We need like-minded organisations and people to help us give the gift of books and reading to children across the country. The Dollywood Foundation UK will help you set up and run an Imagination Library in your local area. Your investment is simply to help spread the word and support families to sign up, as well as committing to fundraising locally. Contact the Dollywood Foundation UK for more detailed information or visit our website to submit an enquiry. PROMOTE PROGRAMME & REGISTER ELIGIBLE CHILDREN PROCESS THE MONTHLY BOOK INVOICE PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FAMILIES AS NEEDED How You Can Help 4 UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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Sharing books from birth not only supports the development of language and literacy but creates the perfect environment to nurture bonds between babies and their caregivers. Picture a young child snuggling in, sharing eye contact, enjoying the lilt of their parent’s voice as they connect with diverse characters and stories, exploring emotions and developing empathy. These experiences are vital for children as they start to make sense of the world around them, giving them a solid foundation to explore, play and learn throughout their life. How can the Imagination Library help communities become the best place to grow up? Building Secure Attachment A Place-Based Approach Raising Attainment for All Supporting the Home Learning Environment In 2022, Dr Caroline Zwierzchowska-Dod published ‘Books, Babies and Bonding’ - a U.K-based study of the Imagination Library. The research demonstrates the impact we can have on children through the simple gift of a book. Participation in the Imagination Library strengthens parent-child attachment through frequent reading, with parents identifying bonding as the main benefit of participating in the programme. Through our place-based universal offer, research shows that the Imagination Library strengthens communities by creating “shared cultural capital”, where all children and families experience the same exposure to literature. Receiving Imagination Library books for 12 months or more correlates with improved academic outcomes at age 5, across the socio-economic spectrum. The curated book selection introduced new authors into the home and is highly valued by parents. Parents who receive Imagination Library books are 30% more likely to read daily with their child, helping build foundational literacy skills. ‘I absolutely love being part of the Imagination Library. I have always been a reader but my husband hasn‘t and I feel that the books we receive keeps my husband’s interest as my son loves it so much’ – Parent feedback ‘My children’s nursery also give out an activity pack each month to match the book with they have loved doing and totally enhances the experience with the book.’ – Parent feedback Why is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Important? 5UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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Over 3000 children are currently registered More than 7000 children have benefited to date More than 100,000 books gifted in Renfrewshire LOCAL PROGRAM M E PARTNER CASE STUDY The Story So Far... The Renfrewshire Context In 2021, Renfrewshire became the first local authority to offer a universal Imagination Library in Scotland. Their inclusive programme is open to all children living or attending nursery in Renfrewshire, meeting the needs of all learners with age appropriate books suitable to their stage of development. Before the Imagination Library launched in Renfrewshire, the team asked families about their reading habits, they found: “We’re seeing some real challenges with speech, language and communication, but the Imagination Library supports all children, including those with additional support needs. Because of how the books are chosen, we can include all children in our activities and allow them to learn in their own way and with their own creativity. It’s so inclusive and that’s really important to us.” – Early Years Professional, Renfrewshire 75% of parents visit their library once a month or less Of those, 20% never visit a library Over 50% of families buy books every 2 – 3 months or less frequently 6 UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01 RENFREWSHIRE
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LOCAL PROGRAM M E PARTNER CASE STUDY 2022 2023 0 20 40 60 80 100 Inspiring Early Years Professionals in Renfrewshire Renfrewshire Council have established a network of over 100 Imagination Library programme ambassadors from early years settings across Renfrewshire. The group of qualified teachers and early years professionals support each other to bring the magic of the Imagination Library to Early Learning and Childhood Centres across the local authority. 100% of ambassadors agreed that Imagination Library supports children’s learning/development in early years settings and helps prepare children for starting school. 100% of ambassadors indicated that Imagination Library books are used as a vehicle to support wider learning 95% of ambassadors agree that Imagination Library has raised the profile of reading for pleasure in their establishments and has supported the creation of a reading culture 95% of ambassadors find Imagination Library a useful tool to support family learning and engagement Early Years Progression Tool Milestones Comparison 2022-2023 FROM: Auchenlodment Early Learning and Childhood Centre in Johnstone I can listen, respond and recall information appropriately in different contexts I can recall and talk about characters and events in stories “The range of books and how carefully they are chosen really helps us focus on parts of the curriculum, like knowledge and understanding of rhyming and syllables. Using Renfrewshire’s Early Years Progression Tool, we have seen real improvements in outcomes for children.” “Dolly Parton’s imagination library has not only provided literacy rich opportunities to so many children and families universally but the positive impact it has had on the children within our establishment has inspired our practitioners to weave this through all areas of the curriculum.” “The Imagination Library supports our practice and helps our staff understand what makes a great quality book. We know these books have been quality checked and it gives practitioners confidence to look further into that author or type of book. It’s really improved the quality of books we provide within our early years settings.” “We’ve seen our parental engagement sky rocket! We create home activities that link to each book and develop skills across literacy, numeracy and wellbeing. 87% of families take part in these activities.” 63% 78%63% 93% 7UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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LOCAL PROGRAM M E PARTNER CASE STUDY The council has followed the cohort of children through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Year 1 phonics screening (Y1), and SATS tests at Key Stage 1 (KS1) and 2 (KS2). Significantly enhanced emergent literacy skills are seen through EYFS as shown here: The longitudinal Impact is evident throughout the primary years as this table for KS2 demonstrates: % of Children achieving the expected standard or above North Lincolnshire Council The local authority wide programme for all children through age 5 in North Lincolnshire has been operating since 2013, with more than 1 million books mailed to 26,696 children. RWM Reading Writing Maths All Children 58.1% 71.7% 71.9% 69.6% Imagination Library Cohort 60.6% 73.5% 74.3% 70.8% Unregistered Cohort 52.7% 67.8% 66.6% 66.9% Diff - IL cohort vs unregistered 7.9% 5.7% 7.7% 3.9% EYFS Year 1 and KS1 Significantly enhances emergent literacy skills Producing lasting impact on learning at school In 2022, 67.1% of children registered with the Imagination Library achieved a good level of development at the end of the EYFS, compared to 52.6% of children who were not registered, difference 14.5ppts 60% of boys registered with the Imagination Library achieved a GLD compared to 49% for boys not receiving the books When socio-demographic factors were taken into account, Imagination Library participation was related to a relative increase in the likelihood of achieving a GLD pass by 40% and achieving the Early Learning Goal of reading by 54% In Year 1, 74% of children who had received Imagination Library books met the expected standard in the phonics screening test, compared to 57% of children who were not registered, difference 17ppts KS1 Reading: 67% met Expected Standard (registered with IL) and 545 for those not registered, difference 13ppts KS1 Writing: 57% met Expected Standard (registered with IL) and 49% for those not registered, difference 8ppts KS1 Maths: 67% met Expected Standard (registered with IL) and 58% for those not registered, difference 9ppts Source: North Lincolnshire Council Source: North Lincolnshire Council UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-018
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I think it’s amazing. My children look forward to a new book that we can read together as a family each month. It’s so lovely that the book is chosen based on their age & it’s always books which I don’t know about, so they would never have the opportunity to read these fantastic books without imagination library I love it. Every single book is amazing and my son really likes them. As a parent I love the curation to fit topics that matter (brushing teeth, the body, words etc) and they all add something different for my son (nursery rhymes, flap books etc) I think it's great. My 4 year old son looks forward to receiving a book in the post every month. He has become more enthusiastic about books. We still have every book he has ever received since age 1. He has his own little book corner, which thanks to the scheme, is still growing. Its a great way to encourage kids to read and enjoy with the family. Absolutely wonderful and I can't praise it enough! We were introduced to some of our favourite books through the Dolly Parton library and my daughter's knowledge and learning has increased greatly with the wonderful choice of books. Such a joy to get a new book through the post and they are still met with great excitement! Thanks so much for supporting this amazing resource! It is a great scheme. It allows my children to have their own books, ones they can cherish and mistreat! LOCAL PROGRAM M E PARTNER CASE STUDY To date, 20,183 families have received nearly 600,000 books and as the parent feedback shows, the programme is valued and much loved: The London Borough of Southwark Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has operated in the London Borough of Southwark since 2016 and around 9,000 children are registered. UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01 9
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92% 97% 88% 93% 98% 99% This UK-based study included a national survey of 4,770 parents of 0-5 year olds, school attainment data from North Lincolnshire Council 2016-2019 and 702 in-depth surveys of families in receipt of Imagination Library books. We share the books with older and younger siblings in our family The books have helped develop my child’s speech and language We read more often I enjoy reading with my child more My child looks forward to the books arriving My child is enthusiastic to share books with me When the age of the child, number of children in the family, parental education, ethnicity and gender were taken into account: 88% of Imagination Library families surveyed said they read more often because of the Imagination Library Imagination Library participants were around 30% more likely to read daily. Books, Babies and Bonding: The impact of parental engagement in shared reading (book-sharing) with children 0-5 years old Dr Caroline Zwierzchowska-Dod, Swansea University, 2022 10 UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01 OUR IMPACT
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Key findings of the research project include: What benefits do parents value when book-sharing? BondingTime Bond Habits Skills Calming Positive Speaking Comfort Listening Language Cuddles Vocabulary Relaxing Routines Knowledge Imagination Frequent reading was common in the respondent group, but higher in families receiving Imagination Library books. Parents identified a ‘nudge’ factor through the monthly book arrival. Bonding was the key benefit of book-sharing that parents identified for themselves and their child. Receiving Imagination Library books for 12 months or more correlated with improved academic outcomes at age 5. The curated book selection introduced new authors into the home and was highly valued by parents Participation in the Imagination Library strengthened parent-child bonds through frequent reading, and by helping parents learn more about their child. Participation in the Imagination Library supported improved parental self-image and their attitudes towards sharing books with their children. 11UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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Books and Book Selection To date, we’ve included 528 different books in the programme. Our welcome book is a special hardback edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit with a message from Dolly, and the graduation book is Just Imagine by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart, with a Happy Birthday forward from Dolly, arriving the month the child turns 5. Our book selection panel is made up of early years professionals, children’s librarians and experts in children’s literature. They consider the developmental stage of the child and ensure a balanced mix of books, which includes rhyme, traditional tales, different illustration styles, and fact-based, across each age group. The prevalent theme and focus of the Imagination Library is inspiration and imagination. Other fundamental themes that support this are a love of reading and learning; regard for diversity of people, their roles, culture, and environment; promotion of self-esteem and confidence, and appreciation of art and aesthetics. Around 40-60% of the titles change every year, although some firm family favourites such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle have reappeared many times as they are so popular and offer so much to families. The success and impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are built on the fabulous books our picked by our Gold Medal Book Selection Committee over the years. 12 UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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1st Pick 2nd Pick 3rd Pick 0 100 200 300 400 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Shark in the Park Goodnight Tractor There's a Monster In Your Book Hairy McClary Yes Too Young Too Old 0 20 40 60 80 100 Yes No 0 20 40 60 80 100 Yes No 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has an exclusive arrangement with Penguin Random House to provide the selected books and we are grateful for the work they do behind the scenes to ensure the programme operates smoothly. This includes everything from resizing some books to make sure they fit through the family letterboxes to making sure the authors and illustrators permit us to use their books in the programme. What are the most popular Imagination Library books with you and/or your child? Parents were given the opportunity to choose three of their top titles from drop down menus and could not pick the same title more than once. The choices were compiled using the book lists from the last 2 programme years. The family voice is also important, and every two years we carry out a survey to inform the committee. The two-year gaps ensure the majority of families responding have received enough books to make informed decisions. In general, do you feel the book selections for the Imagination Library are age appropriate? Have you received books on themes that you would not have thought to borrow from the library or buy from a shop? Are you pleased with the diversity of characters/themes within the books you receive? 167 66 55 50 62 73 19459 53 96 199 86 70 116 213 203 35168 77 62 13UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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How We Are Funded The simplicity of the Imagination Library, and the efficiency of its cost-sharing model contribute to its sustainability. All core costs, including administrative, operational, website, database management, marketing, training and technical assistance, are absorbed by The Dollywood Foundation UK, through grant funding from The Dollywood Foundation Inc. Furthermore, the Dollywood Foundation negotiates the costs of printing, wrapping, labelling and mailing. The Foundation assists community partners with local promotion for the programme, and in registering children via our secure, GDPR compliant, online database. Books are free of charge to families - each community reimburses The Dollywood Foundation UK for the costs of the books and mailing for enrolled children. When we partner with a community, we ask that they pay just £2.16 per child per month to cover the cost of books and mailing. Across the UK and Ireland, our community partners access funding from a range of sources. Some programmes have only one source of funding, such as the local authority, but others use a blended funding model. Local and central government, businesses big and small, public health, Rotary clubs, charities, housing associations, early years settings, trusts, foundations and private individuals are all encouraged to support the programme. Our model allows programme partners to use their local knowledge and connections to support families in the way that works best for their communities. We encourage partners to make sure families are aware of the programme and can easily register, particularly those families who might not usually access or be aware of services. Promote to families and register eligible children on the Book Order System Select age appropriate, high- quality books & manage procurement and delivery Post books direct to the child every month from birth until the month they turn 5 Pay the monthly invoice £2.16 per book on average (About £26 per child per year for 12 books) Provide support to families as required Support our local program partners to develop a sustainable and resilient Imagination Library ® Local Program Partners How It Works 14 UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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‘It is kind to send us books, she is a nice lady. My dad loves Dolly Parton. His gran used to sing him Dolly songs.’ Jordan - age 4 ‘She is a kind lady.’ Lewis- age 4 “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.” ‘I feel happy when Dolly sends me a book. I like to get letters in the post, mum reads them to me. Isla - age 4 ‘She gives us books because her daddy didn’t have a lot of money to give her books when she was little, so she wants us to have them.’ Caleb - age 4 15UK IMPACT REPORT | 20241030-01
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Helen Hastle, Regional Director, The Dollywood Foundation UK Meg Fletcher, Regional Director, The Dollywood Foundation UK ImaginationLibrary.com The Dollywood Foundation of the United Kingdom The Dollywood Foundation of the United Kingdom is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England, Wales (Registered Company Number 6400437, Registered Charity Number 1121917) and Scotland (Registered Charity Number SC045571). UK Charity Address: 167 - 169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London W1W 5PF hhastle@imaginationlibrary.co.uk mfletcher@imaginationlibrary.co.uk 07539 872794 07984 346592
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Imagination Library in Renfrewshire
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How long has your child been enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Less than 12 months 36% 1 - 2 years 37% 2 - 3 years 16% 3 - 4 years 11% Approximately how many children’s books did you have at home before receiving books from the Imagination Library? None 6% 1 - 9 books 16% 10 - 19 books 20% 20 - 29 books 17% 30 or more books 42% Roughly how many books in your home are Imagination Library books? Approx. 10% or less 46% Approx. 25% 33% Approx. 50% 15% Approx. 75% 4% 100% of books in your home are from the Imagination Library 2% Imagination Library in Renfrewshire recently conducted an authority-wide survey, resulting in 168 responses from parents and carers who have children currently enrolled in the Imagination Library. The survey aimed to evaluate the impact of receiving monthly books on children's reading, skills development and family learning. 2024 Parent & Carer Survey
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How often did you read with your child before receiving books from the Imagination Library? Not at all 1% Once a week 12% 2 - 4 times a week 22% Once a day 38% More than once a day 27% Since receiving Imagination Library books, how often do you read with your child? Not at all 2% Once a week 2% 2-4 times a week 20% Once a day 34% More than once a day 42% How has receiving books from the Imagination Library changed your child’s interest in books and reading? They are more excited about reading and books 83% They are less excited about reading and books 3% Unsure 4% No noticeable changes 10% 2024 Parent & Carer Survey
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As a parent/carer, how do you feel about the quality/types of books your child receives? We love the books and they are great quality 90% We are satisfied with the quality and types of books 9% The quality and types of books are okay 1% We dislike the books and the quality is poor 0% Do you believe that receiving books from the Imagination Library has helped/is helping to prepare your child for school? Yes 71% Somewhat 21% Unsure 8% No 1% My child enjoys receiving a book via the post that is personally addressed to them. Strongly agree 88% Agree 12% Somewhat disagree 0% Strongly disagree 0% 2024 Parent & Carer Survey Imagination Library is an amazing resource for the children of Renfrewshire. My daughter’s face lights up when she gets a book delivered to her and she always says thanks to Dolly Parton for the lovely gift! We are so lucky to be part of this initiative! Thanks!
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My child receives a variety of books from the Imagination Library, encouraging them to read a range of different texts. Strongly agree 76% Agree 23% Somewhat disagree 1% Disagree 1% Receiving books from the Imagination Library motivates me to read more with my child. Strongly agree 63% Agree 33% Somewhat disagree 2% Strongly disagree 1% How has receiving books from the Imagination Library impacted on your confidence in reading with your child and selecting appropriate books? I feel more confident reading with my child/children 45% My confidence in choosing books to read with my child has increased 29% My knowledge of authors and age-appropriate books has increased, making me more confident in our reading choices 42% My confidence levels have not changed 22% My confidence in reading with my child has decreased 0% Imagination Library in Renfrewshire 2024 Parent & Carer Survey
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My child enjoys having the same books at home that are shared at nursery. Strongly agree 49% Agree 37% Somewhat disagree 1% Strongly disagree 1% Unsure 12% Do you borrow books for you child from your local library or the Skoobmobile? Yes, often 24% Sometimes 36% No, never 40% Families reported the following changes since receiving books from the Imagination Library: Increased vocabulary 57% Increased social skills 30% Increased listening skills 49% Increased interest in reading 60% No noticeable changes / Unsure due to age 19% TOTAL FAMILIES REPORTED POSITIVE CHANGES 81% 2024 Parent & Carer Survey Both my children have absolutely loved receiving their books from the Imagination Library! My 3 year old son gets so excited when a new book arrives. The stories and pictures are lovely and the program has helped spark his imagination and develop a love for reading early on.