London expands Dolly Parton’s free book program to 10 boroughs

Key points

• The Imagination Library will expand to 10 London boroughs, making 157,000 children eligible for free monthly books until age five.
• The expansion is funded by the Postcode Lottery and aims to address declining rates of early childhood reading.
• The program, founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, has delivered over 7 million books in the UK and 300 million globally.
• A celebration at the British Library will mark the expansion ahead of 'Give Like Dolly Day' on September 25.
• The Dollywood Foundation reports a record number of new enrollments following Parton’s death.

Background

Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her estate has since organized various tributes, including the upcoming DollyFest in 2027 and the new 'Give Like Dolly' campaign. The Imagination Library, which she founded in 1995 in tribute to her illiterate father, has been expanding across the UK, with recent additions in North Yorkshire and now a significant increase in London coverage.

How outlets are covering it

BBC emphasizes the social impact of the expansion, citing data that 41% of children under four are read to frequently, down from 64% in 2012, and notes that 28% of new reception students struggle with physical books. Axios highlights the cultural celebration aspect, detailing 'Dolly Day' in Nashville on September 25, which includes musical performances and charitable donations. USPS Employee News focuses on the logistical scale, noting that the program mails 3.6 million books monthly in the US and 40 million annually via the Postal Service, with a record number of new enrollments. WTVCFox provides a local Tennessee perspective, noting how Erlanger Hospital is connecting families in Southeast Tennessee with the program, though the article content was largely obscured by technical code in the source.

Why it matters

The expansion of the Imagination Library in London addresses a growing concern over early literacy and the digitalization of childhood, where some children are unfamiliar with physical books. By making the program universal and free, it reduces financial barriers for families and supports the development of reading confidence in young children. The timing, shortly after Parton’s death, underscores the enduring impact of her philanthropy and the public’s desire to continue her legacy of generosity.

What to watch

The expansion will be officially marked with a celebration at the British Library. 'Give Like Dolly Day' will be observed on September 25, with events in Nashville and London, including musical performances and charitable donations. The Dollywood Foundation expects a record number of new enrollments in the Imagination Library in the coming months.