Free children's book exchange inspired by Dolly Parton to open in Sheffield
A free book-swapping project designed to spark a love of reading in young children is coming to Sheffield, drawing inspiration from country music icon Dolly Parton.
The Imagination Book Exchange, catering to youngsters aged zero to 10, is scheduled to open at Fox House from September 25, operating seven days a week during Fox Valley's regular centre opening hours.
Organised in partnership between Fox Valley and Live and Learn Consultancy, the scheme marks the one month anniversary of Parton's death. It pays tribute to her Imagination Library, established in 1995 to supply a book each month to children up to five years old.
The initiative was conceived by Lisa Kitchen, Learning and Developing Director at Live and Learn Consultancy, and Admin and Events Manager Sharon Marsh.
Ms Kitchen said: “Sharon and I have loved Dolly for years, but one of the things we’ve always admired is what she’s done away from music too.
"The Imagination Library is such a brilliant idea and it got us talking about whether we could do something, on a much smaller scale, here.”
She added: “We wanted to create something families could keep using long after the launch. If it encourages more children to pick up a book, swap one they’ve enjoyed and discover something new, that would be lovely.”
The grand opening will feature a Dolly Parton Quiz, temporary tattoos and country-outfits to help fund the initial selection of titles.
Organisers are appealing to local residents and businesses to donate new or well-conditioned pre-loved volumes.
Ms Marsh said: “We’d love children to come along, find a book they want to read and then maybe bring another back for somebody else to enjoy.
We’ve started collecting books ourselves, but we’d love local people and businesses to get involved too.”