Dolly Parton Expands Imagination Library to Benefit Belfast Babies
Dozens of infants in Belfast are set to benefit from an exciting initiative led by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This partnership aims to distribute a total of 60 free books over five years to 75 registered babies in the city. The initiative is made possible through a collaboration between the Belfast City Council and the Dollywood Foundation.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Belfast
The Imagination Library, originally launched in Tennessee, marks its 30th anniversary this year. The program offers one book per month to children until they reach the age of five. Mark McBride’s daughter, Maria, is among the first recipients of this generous scheme. McBride was present at the kickoff event, held at Belfast City Hall.
Community Impact and Parental Support
Mark McBride shared his enthusiasm for the program, stating that his family values reading as a bonding activity. He noted that their older child loves to read, and he believes his daughter will enjoy it just as much. The pilot initiative has been supported by local elected officials following a motion introduced by Councillor Séamas De Faoite almost three years ago.
Local Leaders Advocate for Expansion
Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Tracy Kelly, expressed her excitement about the program’s launch in the city. She emphasized the importance of reading and nurturing bonds between parents and children. Kelly also voiced hopes for the initiative to expand throughout Northern Ireland, indicating broad community support for early childhood literacy.
- Number of Children Benefiting: 75 babies
- Total Books Distributed: 60 books per child
- Pilot Program Duration: 5 years
- Original Launch Location: Tennessee
- Anniversary: 30th year of Imagination Library
Future Prospects and Aspirations
Councillor Séamas De Faoite, a fan of Dolly Parton, expressed his commitment to expanding the program beyond its pilot phase. He believes the initiative can bring significant joy and educational benefits to children in Belfast. Megan Fletcher, regional director at the Dollywood Foundation, also shared that they have been working in Northern Ireland since 2015 on community projects and are seeking further partnerships to support the Imagination Library.
As the program unfolds, both local leaders and families are hopeful that it will lead to a greater emphasis on literacy and provide valuable resources to parents and children throughout Northern Ireland.
