Brighter Beginnings For Fairfield City’s Children

Published on 22 April 2022

Dolly Parton reading a book with kids

Fairfield City residents born from January 2022 can now enrich their literacy skills through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.

The program involves free book gifting designed to develop a love of reading in children from a young age. Each month, enrolled children will receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail to keep, free of charge. The books will come accompanied by a tip sheet to help families engage with the book in ways that drive language development and early literacy.  

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said Council is proud to be the driver of this fantastic initiative, and to be selected as one of two metropolitan councils to run Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“Fairfield City is such a diverse, cultural community with English being the second language for many residents,” Mayor Carbone said.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program encourages parents to support their young children with resources to improve their literacy and communication skills from an early age.

“Alongside this program, Council will offer membership to Fairfield City Open Libraries for each child that registers, giving them access to books, free programs and much more.”

Initiated by iconic singer Dolly Parton more than 20 years ago, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has seen over 178 million books delivered to nearly 2 million children in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.

The early literacy program is funded by the NSW State Government partnered with United Way Australia, who aims to create a better future for children and young people.

United Way Australia’s CEO, Clayton Noble said “United Way is very excited to be partnering with Fairfield City Council on this innovative program. The commitment to ensuring every child born in the region is ‘school ready’ is to be applauded. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be a big boost to achieving this goal.”

Parents are encouraged to register their child for the program on Council’s website or at their nearest Fairfield City Open Library.

For more information visit fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Dolly-Parton-Imagination-Library or phone 9725 0333. 

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