Dungog’s 100 little readers and counting

THE Friends of Dungog Shire Community Centre and Dungog Early Literacy marked a major milestone last week, celebrating the enrolment of the 100th child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.

The global initiative, which is offered locally through the support of Friends of Dungog Shire Community Centre, posts free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five.

Families in the Dungog Shire can sign up at no cost, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop a love of books from the very beginning of life.

The celebration was held at the Royal Hotel on Tuesday 2 September, with families, supporters, and community members gathering to acknowledge the growing success of the program.

Chairperson Anne Higgins said the milestone reflected both the enthusiasm of local families and the generosity of the community.

“We are thrilled to see 100 children in Dungog now receiving books every month through the Imagination Library,” Ms Higgins said.

“This program is about giving children the very best start in life, and we are so grateful to our supporters, the Royal Hotel, and of course our entertainers Mark and Phil who helped make the celebration special.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been shown to boost literacy outcomes by encouraging parents to read regularly with their children.

Each month, enrolled children receive a carefully chosen book in the mail, fostering a sense of excitement and connection around reading.

The Friends of Dungog Shire Community Centre and Dungog Early Literacy are determined to keep building momentum.

With ongoing fundraising and community backing, they hope to enrol even more families in the program and expand local early literacy activities.

“Reaching 100 children is just the beginning,” Ms Higgins said.

“Every dollar raised helps us bring more books into the hands of local kids.”