Every baby born at The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit is now going home with a book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, introducing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to families.
The books have been included in maternity discharge packs since the end of February.
Thanks to a year-long sponsorship from Manx Technology Group, the book is gifted to every newborn leaving The Jane.
The pack also includes information explaining how parents can check whether their area is open for registration and sign up for the programme.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a global book-gifting programme founded in 1995.
Each registered child receives an age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home every month until their fifth birthday, regardless of family income.
Independent research shows the programme supports early language development, school readiness and stronger family bonds through shared reading.
Abby Chatwood, Chief Operating Officer of Manx Technology Group, said: “Technology may shape the modern world, but curiosity and imagination are at the heart of innovation.
“Manx Technology Group is proud to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on the Isle of Man, helping ensure every newborn leaving The Jane receives their first book.”
Journey
Regan Baggley, Head of Midwifery at The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit, added: “We’re delighted to support this initiative. Encouraging families to read, talk and share books with their babies from birth can have a real impact, and this is a lovely way to mark the start of that journey.”
While The Tale of Peter Rabbit will be gifted to every newborn at The Jane, ongoing monthly books are available to families living in areas where local funding has been secured.
The Isle of Man Imagination Library is currently open in Douglas, with around 430 children already registered and receiving their books and the charity is working to expand the programme across the island.
Thanks to the support of Dolly Parton, a donation of just £26 funds a child to receive 12 high-quality books over the course of a year, delivered directly to their home.
At the time of the 2021 Census there were 3,483 children under the age of five on the Isle of Man, meaning the entire island could receive books for around £90,000 per year.