Nottingham City Council has paid tribute to legendary country music singer Dolly Parton whose Imagination Library has provided thousands of Nottingham children with free books.
The council joined Dolly’s Imagination Library in 2012, supporting Nottingham’s children by sending a free, age-appropriate book each month from birth to age five, helping children start school with stronger language and reading skills. This followed an earlier scheme started by a teaching assistant in Wollaton.
The Nottingham Imagination Library, in partnership with Nottingham Rotary Club has so far sent over 600,000 free books to 14,000 young children.
Cllr David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture, and Tourism, and trustee of the Nottingham Imagination Library said:
“I am very sad to hear the remarkable Dolly Parton has passed away.
“Thanks to her fantastic arrangement with book publishers, she has had a wonderful effect on Nottingham. For just £2.20 including postage costs books are sent to children under 5 in our city every month.”
Cllr Cheryl Barnard, Lord Mayor of Nottingham and also a trustee of Nottingham Imagination Library, said:
“The people of Nottingham will be very saddened to hear of Dolly Parton’s passing. Through her music and the Imagination Library, she has touched the lives of many across the city.”