Under 5s in Marown are invited to join Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Marown, Isle of Man. 26th May 2026  

Under 5s in Marown can now register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library thanks to the parish being funded by new island residents Angela and John Fairbrother through their company, Designer Media.  Parents are encouraged to register their child at imaginationlibrary.im by Tuesday 2nd June to receive the programme’s welcome book in July.

Angela Fairbrother said:

“As a child, books were incredibly important to me, so I’m hoping that by providing support through our company, we can help the next generation enjoy all the wonders that reading can bring.”

Headteacher of Marown School, Anna Jackson, welcomed the announcement.

“We’re thrilled that children in Marown will now be able to register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. At Marown School, our motto is ‘Reach for the Stars’, reflecting our belief that children should be encouraged to aim high from the very beginning. We see first-hand how sharing books and stories from a young age helps children arrive at school with strong vocabulary, communication skills and confidence, supporting school readiness and a lifelong love of learning.”

Marown is the latest area to open as the Isle of Man Imagination Library continues its rollout across the Island, with almost 600 children already registered to receive books each month. Registered children receive a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday, delivered directly to their home.  Registrations are also currently open in Andreas, Ballaugh, Bride, Douglas, Jurby, Lezayre, Maughold and Patrick.

The programme operates through a partnership model. Local supporters fund the cost of books and postage in their area, while The Dollywood Foundation provides the core infrastructure and coordinates large-scale publishing and distribution partnerships.  This creates significant economies of scale, allowing books to be delivered at a fraction of their retail cost.  A donation of just £26 can fund a child to receive a free book every month for an entire year.

Angela and John approached the Isle of Man Imagination Library after hearing about the initiative and wanting to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to more children. Other individuals, businesses and organisations interested in helping expand the programme to new areas, or support it long term, are invited to visit imaginationlibrary.im to learn more, donate online or get in touch by emailing books@imaginationlibrary.im.