Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides the gift of a book each month to children from birth to age five. Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 and operating globally, the program is licensed in Australia by United Way Australia.
Since 2013, 2.5 million books have been delivered to more than 155,000 children across Australia. Books are addressed to the child and delivered by post at no cost to families, helping make books and reading a regular part of family life.
The program is made possible through the support of councils, state governments, businesses, local organisations and philanthropic donations.
Children enrolled in the Imagination Library are nine times more likely to be read to four or more days a week, and at least four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emerging literacy skills after receiving just 10 books.
United Way Australia partners with community, business, government and the philanthropy sector, bound by the belief that a child’s success should not be limited by their postcode. Help us build strong, resilient communities where children and young people can thrive.
United Way Australia is creating better futures for children and young people through proven and targeted early childhood and youth employment initiatives.
With the solid foundations of a global network, United Way works at the heart of Australian communities, responding to local needs to create lasting change.
We know that reading is a proven and powerful first step in a child’s learning journey. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, United Way brings the magic of reading into Australian homes.
With a focus on communities and families most in need, we deliver a book a month to children aged 0-5 and support caregivers with reading tips. Through Imagination Libraries, United Way sparks a love of reading that can have a profound impact on a child’s life.
United Way brings business and communities together, giving young people the life skills they need to succeed.
Through Business Community partnerships, we offer young people the opportunity to experience life in the workplace, mentoring and inspiring them to discover the world of possibilities that exist after school.
The Hive is a backbone for a place-based, collective impact initiative that works to ensure every child in the 2770 postcode has the best possible start in life.
The Hive’s holistic and inclusive approach is centered around community voice and aspirations. It recognises the impact that families, communities, governments and service systems have on the wellbeing of children.