Nearly 90,000 free books have been distributed to children in North Lincolnshire through the Imagination Library in 2025. This initiative, which provides a high-quality book every month to children from birth until their fifth birthday, benefits nearly 7,000 youngsters in the area. The program aims to provide a “head start that lasts a lifetime,” with a total of **85,875** books delivered this year alone.
The council-funded Imagination Library has become a vital resource, with almost **90%** of under-fives in North Lincolnshire receiving these books. According to **Cllr Rob Waltham**, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, the significant number of books delivered annually reflects the council’s commitment to supporting families and early childhood development. He stated, “More than **85,000** books a year tells you everything you need to know about our priorities. This council backs families, backs learning, and backs children to succeed from the very start.”
Impact on Early Literacy
The initiative is touted as one of the most ambitious early-years literacy programs in the UK. Since its launch in **2013**, the Imagination Library has delivered over **one million** books to more than **27,000** local children, accounting for about one-sixth of all Imagination Library books distributed in the UK. Each year, the selection of titles is updated to ensure age-appropriateness, allowing children to accumulate a collection of **60** books by their fifth birthday.
The program’s impact is evident in educational readiness. Research indicates that children enrolled in the Imagination Library are significantly more likely to reach a good level of development by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, with nearly **67%** achieving this milestone compared to **55%** of their peers who are not enrolled.
Encouraging Family Engagement
Cllr **Julie Reed**, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, emphasized that the initiative extends beyond mere book distribution. “This is about more than books. It’s about families reading together, children feeling excited about learning, and setting expectations early that education matters,” she remarked. The sense of pride and ownership that comes from receiving a book addressed to them plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading.
In addition to book deliveries, parents and caregivers can sign up to receive monthly “ideas sheets.” These emails include suggestions for activities and games related to the month’s book, along with information about child development. This comprehensive support enhances the reading experience and encourages family bonding through literacy.
The Imagination Library operates as part of a global initiative but stands out in North Lincolnshire due to strong local investment and partnerships among the council, libraries, community hubs, schools, and families. The program is entirely free to join, with each child required to be registered individually to receive their own age-appropriate book every month. Parents can register online via the council’s website or by visiting their local library or community hub.
This initiative highlights the council’s dedication to early childhood literacy and the importance of creating a solid foundation for future learning. As children in North Lincolnshire continue to receive these invaluable resources, the Imagination Library is paving the way for generations of readers.
