Lithgow Library is a partnering in the “Brighter Beginnings – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” project that will see every child born in the Lithgow LGA receive a free book at birth and every month until they reach the age of five.
The Imagination Library brings the magic of a library into the home through the gift of a book. It supports parents, as their child’s first and most important teacher, to take a proven first step towards increasing early literacy.
The NSW State Government has provided a funding commitment for the Imagination Library program for 5 years commencing January 2022. Lithgow Library, collaborating with United Way Australia is assisting in the program implementation, local coordination and liaison with other partners.
Local health staff provide the initial engagement with families and enrol children in the program: at Lithgow Hospital at birth, local Community Health staff during home visits, or through contact with your local Library. Once enrolled in the program the child receives a book each month delivered by Australia Post, along with reading support materials for parents/carers.
If your child was born on or after 1 January 2022, you live within the Lithgow LGA and your child has not already been enrolled in the program, contact Sharon at the Lithgow Library.
For those who do not qualify for the Imagination Library project, free books are also available to borrow from the library. The Council encourages all the community to join the local library as membership is free and the library has great resources with branches at Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang.