Dolly Parton's reading project mooted for Galway

GALWAY County Council could be set to introduce Imagination Library, a reading initiative created by Dolly Parton.

Created by the iconic singer in 1995, Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails monthly free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.

Having already been successfully introduced in Dublin, Kildare and Cork, Cllr Michael Regan suggested it be brought to Galway to mark the passing of the music star.

“Dolly Parton is one of the greatest ever country music artists, who has recorded over 3,000 songs and sold millions of albums. But her legacy is so much more than music,” commented Cllr Regan during a meeting of Galway County Council.

“Her father never learnt to read or write, so in his memory she created Imagination Library, to encourage children to enjoy reading.

“I want this council to take the necessary steps to secure funding so we can bring this initiative to Galway, put books into the hands of our young children.”

His motion, proposing that Galway County Council work in partnership with Galway Library and other relevant organisations to secure funding to bring Imagination Library to the county, was seconded by Cllr Donagh Killilea. It received unanimous backing.

“We have already introduced several initiatives through our public libraries that are helping to increase the literacy skills of young children in Galway,” stated Eileen Ruane, the council’s Director of Library Services.

“We will review this programme and its required budget, to see if it can be introduced across the county,” she concluded.

What began as a local initiative in Tennessee, has grown into an international programme, providing free books to children across the world.