Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Launches in Camden 2026

Key Points

• Camden Council has launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivering a free, high-quality book monthly to children from birth to age five across the borough.
• Over 1,600 children have already signed up, reflecting strong family enthusiasm.
• The initiative is funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered by The Dollywood Foundation, with Penguin Random House Children’s as the UK publishing partner.
• Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture, highlighted its importance amid record-low reading for pleasure levels.
• Dolly Parton stated: “Together we can gift the love of reading that will last a lifetime.”
• Local parents Hazeerah and Kayleigh praised the scheme for its quality books and family reading benefits.
• Books support speech, language, and emotional development; research links early reading to literacy, wellbeing, empathy, and confidence.
• Part of Camden’s Reading Together strategy, alongside initiatives like ‘Share and Read with Baby’ packs.
• Open to all Camden children; families can sign up via local libraries or www.camden.gov.uk/imagination-library.
• Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, and Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Random House Children’s, commended the launch.

Camden, London (North London News) February 26, 2026 – Camden Council has officially launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a groundbreaking initiative that delivers a free, high-quality book every month directly to the doors of young children across the borough from birth until age five. This launch, made possible through funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, marks a significant boost to early childhood literacy in Camden, aiming to embed the joy of reading into everyday family life.

The programme, delivered by Dolly Parton’s charity The Dollywood Foundation with Penguin Random House Children’s as the UK publishing partner, has already seen more than 1,600 children sign up, underscoring the demand for accessible books amid declining reading habits.

What Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and How Does It Work in Camden?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides age-appropriate books carefully selected to support speech, language, and emotional development. Each month, families receive a book posted straight to their home, removing barriers like cost and access to libraries.

As reported in coverage from Camden Council’s official announcement, the initiative targets children up to age five and is completely free for Camden residents.

Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture, emphasised its timeliness. She stated:

“More than 1,600 children have already signed up to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Camden, and that enthusiasm shows just how much families value access to great books. At a time when reading for pleasure is at its lowest on record, initiatives like this are vital – especially for families who might find it harder to buy books or visit libraries regularly. This is a step towards making sure every child has the chance to grow up with stories, imagination and the foundations for future learning.”

Dolly Parton herself, founder of The Dollywood Foundation UK, shared her vision in a statement included in the launch materials:

“Together we can gift the love of reading that will last a lifetime.”

Why Is Early Reading So Crucial, and What Does Research Say?

Research underscores the profound benefits of early reading for pleasure, linking it to improved literacy, wellbeing, empathy, and confidence in children.

Yet, as noted in the council’s press release, the number of children who enjoy daily reading is at an all-time low. Camden’s Reading Together strategy seeks to reverse this trend locally, with the Imagination Library as a cornerstone.

The strategy integrates multiple efforts, including the new ‘Share and Read with Baby’ packs, which equip new parents with their baby’s first Camden Libraries card. These packs introduce families to library services from the outset, fostering a culture of reading regardless of background.

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, highlighted the funding’s impact in comments attributed to the lottery’s official statement:

“Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of books, and this initiative helps remove barriers so families can read, learn and imagine together from the start of a child’s life. It’s great to see Camden placing reading at the heart of early childhood, and we’re delighted that funding raised by our players is helping put thousands of high‑quality books directly into the hands of local children. The impact of a love of reading lasts a lifetime, and we’re excited to be part of that journey for families across the borough.”

Who Are the Key Partners Behind This Camden Launch?

The project’s success hinges on a strong partnership network. The Dollywood Foundation oversees delivery, while Penguin Random House Children’s serves as the exclusive UK publishing partner since the programme’s UK debut in 2007.

Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Random House Children’s, celebrated the milestone:

“We are very proud to be the exclusive UK publishing partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since the initiative came to the UK in 2007. Our mission – to ensure the accessibility of books and promote a love of reading from the earliest age – is perfectly aligned with the ambitions of the Imagination Library. Over 7 million copies of our Puffin and Ladybird books have already reached children aged 0-5 and that’s a brilliant milestone that deserves celebration, particularly in this National Year of Reading and in Dolly’s special 80th birthday year as well!”

Funding from People’s Postcode Lottery players has been pivotal, enabling the rollout borough-wide.

What Are Camden Parents Saying About the New Books?

Local families are already reaping the rewards. Hazeerah, a parent from Camden, expressed her delight:

“I heard about the scheme and got really excited. I love the idea of letting kids access as many books as possible. My children have enjoyed reading together and it’s been fun seeing the different kinds of stories that arrive.”

Kayleigh, another Camden-based parent, shared a similar enthusiasm:

“We’ve received our first book, and I am so impressed with the quality and choice. It’s great as my eldest daughter has been reading the book to her little sister.”

These testimonials, drawn from the council’s launch coverage, illustrate how the programme encourages shared family reading from the earliest stages.

How Can Camden Families Join Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

Participation is straightforward and free for all children living in Camden. Parents and carers can visit their local library for more information or sign up directly at www.camden.gov.uk/imagination-library. The website provides full details on eligibility and the enrolment process.

This accessibility aligns with Camden Council’s broader mission to make books “playful and part of everyday life,” ensuring every child grows up surrounded by imagination.

What Broader Impact Does This Have on Camden’s Literacy Landscape?

The launch positions Camden at the forefront of early years literacy efforts. By integrating the Imagination Library into the Reading Together strategy, the council addresses disparities in book access, particularly for families facing economic challenges. At a time of national concern over declining reading rates, this initiative could serve as a model for other boroughs.

Councillor Francis reiterated the council’s commitment: the programme not only delivers books but inspires a lifelong love of stories. With Dolly Parton’s global endorsement and robust partnerships, Camden families stand to gain immeasurably.

Supporting data from the partners reinforces this: over 7 million UK books distributed since 2007, now extending to thousands more in Camden. As the National Year of Reading coincides with Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday, the timing amplifies the launch’s significance.

How Does This Fit into National Trends and Future Plans?

Nationally, reading for pleasure has hit record lows, prompting initiatives like this to rebuild foundations. Camden’s approach – combining home deliveries with library outreach – tackles both access and engagement. Future expansions under Reading Together may build on this success, potentially scaling to more packs and events.

All statements and details in this report are attributed directly from Camden Council’s official launch announcement and partner releases, ensuring comprehensive coverage without omission.