Dolly Parton and Wheatley distribute nearly 50,000 free children’s books

Children across Scotland have received almost 50,000 free books through a decade-long partnership between country music superstar Dolly Parton and Wheatley Foundation.

Wheatley Foundation, part of Wheatley, has worked with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the last ten years to help young children in its communities develop a love of reading and build early literacy skills.

The scheme - created by the singer - sends a specially chosen book free of charge every month to children under the age of five, until their fifth birthday.

To mark World Book Day (5 March), Wheatley Foundation announced that 2004 young children have benefited from the programme since its launch - with 48,188 books delivered since 2016.

The Foundation now hopes to reach the 50,000-book milestone ahead of its 10th anniversary in June.

The Wheatley Foundation is Wheatley’s charitable trust, created and funded by Wheatley and its subsidiaries to support customers and communities. The Imagination Library is one of several projects helping local people to lead better lives.

Families who are Wheatley tenants in Glasgow, Edinburgh, central Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway can access the free books.

Wheatley Foundation Chair, Professor Paddy Gray OBE, said:“It’s great to see so many children aged five and under receiving a free book every month through our partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

“The feedback from parents and guardians has been overwhelmingly positive - their children love the books and look forward to them arriving. This programme is a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to the joy of reading, helping to build their confidence, spark their imagination and encourage regular family time.

“As we mark World Book Day, we’re proud to share that almost 50,000 books have already been delivered to children across Wheatley communities, giving them the best possible start in life.”