Dolly celebrates children’s books campaign success

More than 40,000 free books have been donated to children in Scotland by a foundation headed by the country singer Dolly Parton.

The entertainer, in Glasgow for concerts at the SECC, went out of her way to mark the success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which aims to give looked-after children free books every month until they are five.

Children in Scotland have benefited from 40,092 books, with more set to follow.

Ms Parton said: “I am so proud of our partnership with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Book Trust.

“We share a belief that if we do what is right for children now, they will do what’s right the rest of their lives.”

Scottish Government funding will enable the Imagination Library to provide 12 free books every year for all 3,341 looked-after children in Scotland.

Children’s minister Angela Constance said: “This support can make a real difference to future attainment.”