Ayrshire Housing joins Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Ayrshire Housing joins Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Representatives from Ayrshire Housing, Radbury Double Glazing and the Dolly Parton Foundation with staff and children from Wallacetown Nursery

Children under five in areas served by Ayrshire Housing will now be given a free book every month until they are five years old, after the housing association joined Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Delivered through an innovative partnership with Sidey and Radbury Double Glazing, who are supporting the initiative through their community benefits programme, the move aims to bring the joy of reading to children living in Ayrshire Housing’s communities.

The programme is part of the late singer’s Dollywood Foundation that has inspired millions of children around the world to develop a lifelong love of books and reading.

Speaking at the launch of the new library, Ayrshire Housing chief executive, Lesley-Anne Junner, said: “At Ayrshire Housing, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop a love of reading from an early age. Books have the power to spark imagination, build confidence and create opportunities that can last a lifetime.

“We are incredibly proud to work alongside Sidey, Radbury Double Glazing and The Dollywood Foundation to bring this wonderful programme to children living in our communities.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting our customers beyond housing alone. Through our Community Engagement Strategy, we want to help create communities where children and families can flourish, and the Imagination Library is a perfect example of how strong partnerships can make a lasting difference.”

Helena Barrett-Duncan from The Dollywood Foundation welcomed the collaboration and recognised the shared commitment of all partners in ensuring children have access to books and positive early learning experiences.

Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, every registered child will receive an age-appropriate book each month, completely free of charge, helping to build literacy skills, strengthen family reading habits and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

The event also featured a special storytelling session delivered by local storyteller Betty Skelton, whose engaging and imaginative reading delighted children and adults alike.

“I would also like to extend thanks to Betty for helping make the launch such a memorable occasion,” added Lesley-Anne.

“This initiative represents a powerful partnership between Ayrshire Housing, Sidey, Radbury Double Glazing and The Dollywood Foundation, united by a shared vision that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, imagine and succeed.”

Join over 10,400 housing professionals in receiving our FREE daily email newsletter
Share icon
Share this article: