Dolly Parton book scheme expands in county

Dolly Parton says she has distributed millions of books in the UK

All children under the age of five and living in East Yorkshire will be given access to a free book scheme created by country singer Dolly Parton, a council has said.

The Imagination Library, which sends children a free book to read each month, was previously available to looked-after children, those on protection plans and children in need.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) said it had now invested £500,000 to expand the scheme.

Parton launched the scheme in Rotherham in 2007, having pioneered it in the US. She was motivated by her father's inability to read.

According to her website, Ms Parton has distributed five million books in the UK. They include traditional stories and rhymes, books by well-known authors and illustrators, and newly published titles.

Councillor Anne Handley, the leader of ERYC, said she was pleased to be expanding the scheme, which was introduced to the county five years ago.

She said: "The benefits to children in those early years is so important, we have made an investment to expand the scheme to all children from birth to age five.

"We will also be working with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to develop a bespoke offer for children with special educational needs and disabilities."

Books can be received through the post, but a selection will also be available at council-run nursery schools and via 300 private, voluntary and independent providers of early years childcare.

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