Parents encouraged to sign up to free book scheme

Parents are being encouraged to sign up to receive free books for their children after nearly 90,000 were given out in North Lincolnshire during the last year, according to the council.

The Imagination Library, a reading scheme supported by singer Dolly Parton, was set up in 2013 and gives a book a month to children aged under five.

Since its launch in 2013, more than a million books have been delivered to 27,000 local children, North Lincolnshire Council said.

Councillor Julie Reed said: "This is about more than books. It's about families reading together, children feeling excited about learning and setting expectations early that education matters."

Through the council-funded project, almost 7,000 children currently receive a free book every month from birth until their fifth birthday.

Almost nine out of 10 of all under-fives in the area receive them, with 85,875 given out in 2025, the council said.

Families can also sign up to receive monthly emails with activity and game ideas themed around that month's books.

Parton launched the scheme in Britain, having pioneered it in the US.

She said she was motivated by her father's inability to read.

Parents or carers can register online via the council's website or by visiting their local library or community hub.

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