Ready to Read

NSW Government Imagination Library Initiative

Young asian mother reading book to baby. Sweet moment.

Celebrating Five Years of Impact with the NSW Government

Over the past five years, United Way Australia has enrolled more than 17,000 children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across NSW under the five-year grant with the NSW Government. This has surpassed our original target of 15,000 children.

New enrolments under the NSW Government Imagination Library are now closed. Children already enrolled in the program will continue receiving their monthly books until 30 June 2026, when the Government-funded program will conclude.

 

Want to see if the Imagination Library is running in your area?

We’re proud to have more than 50,000 children enrolled across Australia. Explore the list of Local Government Areas currently running the program and find out how families in your community can take part.

Thanks to the NSW Government Imagination Library Initiative, children and families across Australia are inspired to develop a love of reading.

Lithgow Library is thrilled to be part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The opportunity for our families to be provided with early literacy resources and an introduction to the library will give them not only a love of books and reading, but a head start into school. It is a fabulous gift for lifelong learning

Sharon, Library Coordinator

NSW Government Imagination Library Initiative

Throughout this project, United Way Australia has built a strong evidence base demonstrating the program’s positive impact on early literacy and community connection. To read more about our research and the difference the Imagination Library is making, visit our research reports page.

We would like to thank all of the local councils, libraries, and community partners who have been part of this NSW Government initiative. Your commitment and collaboration have been vital in bringing the joy of books and the love of reading to thousands of children and families.