Cooke Calls For Imagination Library Funding

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is calling on the NSW Government to extend its funding of the Dolly parton Imagination Library program, which has been running in Cowra and other communities in her electorate.

As part of the Brighter Beginnings initiative, the former NSW Coalition Government announced in 2021 that it would fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to benefit 24 NSW Local Government Areas, aiming to reach 15,000 children over five years at a cost of $8 million.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides eligible children with a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. The program promotes early literacy, a love of reading, and strong language development.

All children born on or after January 1, 2022, are eligible to participate. Each book is accompanied by a ‘tip sheet’ designed to help parents engage with the story and support their child’s learning in a fun and meaningful way.

“I cannot overstate the importance of reading. A program like this gives every child the opportunity for the best possible start in life, and we cannot afford to let it fall by the wayside.”

• Topics:
• Grant / Funding
• Literature / Writing