Nearly 90,000 free books were distributed to children in North Lincolnshire in 2025, thanks to the ongoing success of the Imagination Library. This initiative provides a high-quality book each month to approximately 7,000 children from birth until their fifth birthday, ensuring that nearly nine out of ten children under five in the region have access to these resources.
The local council has funded the Imagination Library, which has delivered a total of 85,875 books this year alone. According to Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, this achievement underscores the council’s commitment to supporting families, promoting learning, and fostering children’s success from an early age. He stated, “Reading underpins everything that follows in life – confidence, achievement, and opportunity. By funding the Imagination Library, we’re making sure every child in North Lincolnshire gets that foundation, not just a lucky few.”
Promoting Literacy in Every Community
The council describes the Imagination Library as “one of the most ambitious early-years literacy programmes anywhere in the country.” The program operates on a large scale, covering all communities without any costs to families. Since its launch in 2013, over one million books have been delivered to more than 27,000 local children, accounting for roughly one sixth of all Imagination Library books distributed across the UK.
Each year, the selection of titles is updated to ensure age-appropriate reading material. By the time children reach their fifth birthday, they will have received a total of 60 books. Parents are encouraged to register every eligible child, even if an older sibling has participated, to foster a love for reading and create a personal home library.
Research indicates that children enrolled in the Imagination Library are significantly better prepared for school. Almost 67 percent of these children achieve a good level of development by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, compared to 55 percent of those not enrolled.
Building a Love for Reading
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, emphasized the broader impact of the program. She noted, “This is about more than books. It’s about families reading together, children feeling excited about learning, and setting expectations early that education matters.” The arrival of a book addressed to a child enhances their sense of ownership and pride, which can leave a lasting impression.
In addition to the monthly books, parents and caregivers can also receive monthly ‘ideas sheets’ filled with suggestions for activities and games that complement the current month’s reading material. This additional resource aims to engage families and support children’s development.
The Imagination Library is part of a global initiative, but its success in North Lincolnshire is driven by consistent local investment and effective partnerships between the council, libraries, community hubs, schools, and families. The program remains entirely free to join, with each child needing to be registered individually to receive their own age-appropriate book.
Parents and caregivers can register online through the council’s website or visit their local library or community hub to enroll their children in this enriching program.
