Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

In 2022, Council secured funding to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) to Narrabri Shire.

Run by United Way Australia, the DPIL ensures that every child born after January 2022 and lives in the Narrabri Shire receives a free book every month until they start school. As funding for new enrolments ended on 1 July 2024, Council has worked closely with the community and local businesses to ensure the program continued. As a result, Council announced the continuation of the early literacy program for the fiscal year 2024-2025, thanks to the generous support received from local community groups and businesses.

In exciting news for the Shire, registrations of local babies into the DPIL have passed the 330 mark!
For as little as $108 a person, group or business can sponsor a child on the program for one year!

Did you know, 44% of Australians have low or very low literacy, approximately a quarter of Australians did not read a single book over the course of a year, and children’s participation in reading for pleasure has been trending downwards, dropping from 79% in 2018 to 72% in 2022. 

Exposure to books and reading in the first five years of life helps children develop crucial language skills, sparks curiosity, and has lasting impacts on their outcomes in schooling and adulthood.

For more information and to find out how you can support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the Narrabri Shire, contact Council's Libraries Team at 6792 3336.