Imagination Library selects Wandsworth to kick-off Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday celebrations

The milestone birthday was marked locally with a special story time event at Tooting Library, led by award-winning author and illustrator Nadia Shireen and hosted in partnership with the Imagination Library.

Nadia read her much-loved picture book Geoffrey Gets the Jitters, and the library hosted a range of birthday-themed activities for young children.

Taking place during the National Year of Reading, the event highlighted the role of early years programmes in helping children develop a lifelong love of books.

Wandsworth is proud to be part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gifts a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth until their fifth birthday.

Families in Wandsworth with children under the age of five are encouraged to sign up, with more than 6,500 families across the borough already taking part – sign up here.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We’re delighted that Wandsworth was chosen to kick-off the nationwide celebrations marking Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday and the incredible impact of the Imagination Library.

“Signing up over 6,500 families since August shows just how much local parents value reading with their children.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted more than seven million books to children across the UK since 2008. In Wandsworth, the programme is delivered thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Steve Korris, Executive Director of The Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “Reaching seven million books is an extraordinary milestone and Dolly’s 80th birthday feels like the perfect moment to celebrate it, especially at the start of 2026, the National Year of Reading.

“From story times in local libraries to a national book launch with some of the UK’s best-loved authors, this is about children, families and communities coming together through the joy of reading.”

Wandsworth Council continues to encourage families to take advantage of the scheme and help give every child the best possible start in life.

Sign up your child today to receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday.

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