Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Cork

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an international book-gifting programme which provides free, highquality, developmentally appropriate books to children from birth to age five in participating communities. The Imagination Library was first launched in the Republic of Ireland in early 2019 by The Childhood Development Initiative in Tallaght Let’s Grow Together! Infant & Childhood Partnerships CLG. (formerly Young Knocknaheeny Area Based Childhood Programme) is leading the Imagination Library’s introduction to Cork with support from the Cork Interagency Working Group, sponsorship funding partners.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Cork will put books into the hands and hearts of approximately 3,000 children. The Imagination Library is currently available to babies, toddlers, young children and their families living in the following communities: Knocknaheeny, Hollyhill, Gurranabraher, Churchfield, Mahon, Carrigtwohill, Ashbourne House, Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, and for families registered with Let’s Grow Together! Infant & Childhood Partnerships CLG. It is hoped that in the future the Imagination Library can be expanded and grow into more areas in Cork city and county.

Families with children from birth up to the age of five living in these areas can register and a book will be delivered to their home every month, personally addressed to each eligible child, to start building their own home library. It is completely free to families!

To date approx. 700 families have signed up and we are now seeking assistance from companies in Cork to assist in funding these books. The cost of a book is €1.36 per month so in order to provide books for one child for 12 months the total cost is €16.32. An Post is sponsoring the delivery of all books to children in the Cork pilot communities, which is a considerable contribution to the running of the programme. All funds raised go directly towards serving local children and families within Cork communities.

Cork Chamber is delighted to support this fantastic initiative and has provided funding so that over 60 children in Cork will receive a book each month .

Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber said that ‘’It is more important now than ever to support the next generation to ensure that we have the most inclusive and diverse communities with equal opportunities for all. Developing early literacy skills and a love of reading is the cornerstone of education.’’

For further information on getting involved please contact Grace walsh, Senior Speech & Language Therapist, Let’s Grow Together! Infant & Childhood Partnerships CLG. M: 086 814 2233 or E: grace@letsgrowtogether.ie