Seven million books and counting as Dolly's reading scheme celebrated in Newcastle
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched its 2026 book list at Seven Stories, highlighting the growing impact of early-years reading across the UK
The impact of early-years reading took centre stage in Newcastle this week as the 2026 book list for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was unveiled at Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books in Newcastle’s Ouseburn.
The event marked a significant milestone for the programme, which has now gifted more than seven million books to children under five across the UK.
Families, early years professionals and literacy partners came together to reflect on the role shared storytelling plays in children’s development long before they reach school.
The day began with a storytime session led by author and illustrator Nick Sharratt, followed by a panel discussion examining how children’s books are selected, produced and delivered, and why access to books from birth can be transformative.
The launch also highlighted the local reach of the scheme. In Newcastle, a pilot supported by the city council has already delivered nearly 5,000 free books to babies and young children since its launch last May, helping families build reading into everyday life.
The event was attended by Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness, alongside parents and carers involved in the programme.
Newcastle mum Jessica Cabel, whose eight-month-old son is part of the pilot, said: “Today has been magical. I’ve been so excited to meet Nick, one of my favourite illustrators ever! Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is such a wonderful charity because it really encourages reading, it brings family connection, closeness and bonding time.”
Nick Sharratt said: “Being part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is something I’m very proud of, because it puts brilliant books into children’s hands at exactly the moment they matter most.
“What makes the programme so special is the care that goes into choosing the books, families can trust they’re getting stories that really support their child’s development. As we head into the National Year of Reading, it feels like a powerful reminder that reading habits don’t start at school, they start much earlier, with shared stories at home.”
Meg Fletcher, regional director (North) at The Dollywood Foundation UK said, “Gifting books from birth is a simple idea, but it’s incredibly powerful, because it builds connection, confidence and curiosity long before a child reaches the classroom.
“We see time and again that when families are supported early, reading becomes a shared joy rather than a challenge, and that’s the foundation for a lifelong relationship with books.”
Almost 75,000 children now receive Imagination Library books every month across the UK.