Imagination Library relaunches book scheme for children in Wales

The Dollywood Foundation UK and Community Focused Schools launched a book delivery program in several Welsh communities.

The initiative provides children under the age of five with a free book every month until their fifth birthday. The project uses funding from National Lottery Wales to support families facing a cost of living crisis. The program started at Clwyd Primary School and includes children from school communities in Swansea, Bridgend, and near Newport.

Local parents expressed support for the initiative, noting that the monthly deliveries help children develop a love for reading. The charity also plans to incorporate Welsh language options into the program. Welsh Children's Laureate Nicola Davies called for more funding to expand the scheme to every part of Wales. She argued that the current national curriculum does not place enough emphasis on reading for pleasure, which she believes is essential for better educational performance.

The Welsh government stated it remains committed to providing library spaces in primary schools and funding various literacy projects.