First Minister joins Children 1st and Dolly Parton to give the love of reading to every child

We are delighted to launch our new partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by sharing a reading of Mabel and the Mountain by avid book lover First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The First Minister's reading is the first in a series of recordings of children’s stories by well-known book lovers, which we’ll be sharing in the coming months.  As well as listening to each new story, we’re encouraging members of the public to give a monthly gift of £10 to inspire a love of reading among pre-school children whose families may not have access to books at home.

With  the public's support, Children 1st and the Dollywood Foundation UK  will deliver a free book, by post, to a child from their birth to their fifth birthday, for the child to keep. Alongside the books, children and their families will also be offered the practical and emotional support they need to keep their children safe and support their wellbeing and development. partnership with The Imagination Library will bring books to thousands of children who are missing out on the joy of stories because they do not have the same access to books that other families enjoy.

We hope that every young family in Scotland will enjoy the stories on our website and that book lovers of all ages will support us to share the love of reading and to help young families to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The First Minister, who is an avid reader and regularly shares her latest favourite books on her social media channels, says she is delighted to back the new partnership. Nicola Sturgeon said: “Inspiring a love of reading from a young age can positively impact mental health and creativity and help to improve vital literacy skills.

“Reading for pleasure can also bring joy and comfort during even the most difficult times which is why I am very pleased to help launch this new initiative by Children 1st and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“I hope that many more people will join me in supporting this partnership to help inspire Scotland’s next generation of book lovers.”

Find out more and give the love of reading with a monthly gift of £10.