The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has awarded a grant of £5,000 to the Benarty Imagination Library in Fife which will give families in the area access to free books every month for children under the age of five in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Working with local partners Benarty Community Shop, which donated an additional £1,500, HomeStart Cowdenbeath and The Pantry @BRAG, the programme will improve access to books for children in the area and encourage them to read from a young age.

The Imagination Library – designed to inspire a love of reading – was created by Dolly Parton in 1995 as a tribute to her father who couldn’t read or write. Launched in Tennessee, where she grew up, it has since expanded to reach children across the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the UK. CRT is a charity that works with partners to support people in former mining areas across Scotland.

Pauline Grandison of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said: “It’s really important to encourage a love of books and reading among young children as this helps them develop skills that will be important for the rest of their lives.

“We’re delighted to support such a worthwhile initiative as the Benarty Imagination Library, working with our partners Benarty Community Shop – who kindly donated an additional £1,500 – HomeStart Cowdenbeath and The Pantry @BRAG.”

Lorna Gallagher of Benarty Community Shop said: “We feel privileged to be promoting this wonderful project to be part of encouraging children to enjoy reading. It is a great opportunity for the young people in the Benarty area.”

Kirsty Hill, Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Benarty community to the Imagination Library family! Dolly’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Imagination Library here in the UK means we can reach more and more children each year. But we couldn’t do it without for the hard work of our local partners who help fund and support the programme. I can’t wait to hear how much families have enjoyed their special monthly book!”.

Images shows: Lorna Gallagher of the Benarty Community Shop and Lauren Arthur and Pauline Grandison of CRT.