Nottingham City Council has expressed its condolences following the death of renowned country music artist Dolly Parton, whose Imagination Library initiative has delivered thousands of complimentary books to children across Nottingham.
The local authority became a participant in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programme in 2012.
Through this partnership, youngsters in Nottingham receive an age-appropriate book each month, free of charge, from the time they are born until they reach five years of age.
The initiative is designed to support early literacy development and give children a stronger foundation in language and reading abilities when they begin their formal education.
The programme built upon a previous scheme that had been established by a teaching assistant based in Wollaton.
The Nottingham Imagination Library, operating in conjunction with Nottingham Rotary Club, has distributed more than 600,000 books to approximately 14,000 young children since its inception.
Councillor David Mellen, who serves as Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism and also as a trustee of the Nottingham Imagination Library, offered his reflections on the passing of the celebrated entertainer.
He noted that the arrangement Parton negotiated with book publishers has had a tremendously positive impact on Nottingham, with books costing just £2.20 including postage being delivered monthly to children under five across the city.
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, who holds the position of Lord Mayor of Nottingham and serves as a trustee of the Nottingham Imagination Library, expressed the city’s collective sorrow at the news.
She acknowledged that through both her musical achievements and the Imagination Library, Dolly Parton has had a meaningful effect on countless individuals throughout Nottingham.