Every baby born at The Jane to receive free book from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Douglas, Isle of Man. 15th Mar 2026  

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.”

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. The charity is working to expand the programme across the Island. Only a few hundred pounds is now needed to open registrations in IM7 (Andreas, Ballaugh, Bride, Jurby, Lezayre and Maughold), while around £4,000 is needed to open Ramsey.

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.

For more information, to check eligibility or support the expansion, visit www.imaginationlibrary.im

Pictured (left to right): Abby Chatwood, Chief Operating Officer, Manx Technology Group; Melanie and Steven Harris with baby Reuben – the very first baby at The Jane to receive the Welcome Book; Trish McDonough, Trustee, Isle of Man Imagination Library; and Regan Baggley, Head of Midwifery, The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit. 

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Established in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is widely recognised as the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting programme. As the flagship programme of The Dollywood Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charity, the Imagination Library has delivered more than 300 million free books to children across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.

 The programme operates through a unique partnership model, with costs shared between The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners. Each month, the Imagination Library sends over 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes. Every child enrolled receives one book per month from birth to age five - entirely free to families.

Inspired by her father’s experience with illiteracy, Dolly created the Imagination Library to foster a lifelong love of reading and to encourage children everywhere to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, and Be More.

The programme’s impact has been extensively researched, with findings demonstrating clear benefits for early childhood development, family reading habits, and school readiness.

About the Isle of Man Imagination Library

The Isle of Man Imagination Library is a Manx registered charity, No. 1364, and is the Isle of Man affiliate partner for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library