Dolly Parton is 'working nine to five' to give Western Downs newborns access to one of the world's most celebrated early literacy programs.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is now available through Western Downs Libraries, delivering free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to five years old.
Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Cr Peter Saxelby said the program aims to build early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.
"The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a wonderful gift for families with young children in the Western Downs," Cr Saxelby said.
"If your child was born on or after 1 January this year and you live in the Western Downs region, you're eligible to receive a free book delivered to your doorstep every month until your child turns five.
"The initiative invests in the future of our community by supporting early childhood development and education.
"Musician Dolly Parton first launched the Imagination Library back in 1996 with a vision to inspire a love of reading in children from the very start.
"Nearly 30 years on, thanks to the incredible generosity of our local sponsors, we're proud to bring this program to the Western Downs.
"Council is committed to ensuring our youngest residents have the resources they need to develop strong literacy skills from the very beginning, as well as a love of reading.
"The rollout is being coordinated by Western Downs Libraries in partnership with United Way Australia.
"The funding support has come from Origin Energy, CS Energy, RSA Contractors, Powerlink, Chinchilla RSL, Bidstrup Farming Co., The Story Family, Arrow Energy, Goombi Renewable Energy Hub.
"It's powerful example of what's possible when community and industry come together to invest in our youngest generation."
