The Bookseller.com

9th January 2009

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Parton launches UK literacy programme

07.12.07 Alison Flood

Country singer Dolly Parton has launched a new literacy programme in the UK in association with Penguin. The Imagination Library programme was founded by Parton in 1996 to inspire children in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee. It provides an age appropriate book each month to children who have registered with the programme from birth until five years old.

Penguin Group UK will be the only publisher to supply books to the Imagination Library in the UK, with the first book in the 60-volum collection to be Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

The scheme will launch in Rotherham next year, with registered children receiving their copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in early 2008.

"I hope that my Imagination Library will fit in well with the many other wonderful programs here who do so much to help children. Together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of so many little ones," said Parton.

"Penguin are delighted to be working with Dolly Parton and the Imagination Library to deliver first rate children's books to those participating in the scheme. We look forward to seeing the programme roll out in 2008 and hope it replicates the successes in the US,"  added Penguin group sales director Mike Symons.

Alison Flood literacy Dolly Parton