In 2025, the Imagination Library has delivered nearly 90,000 free books to children in North Lincolnshire, providing essential early literacy support. Approximately 7,000 children in the area receive a high-quality book each month, starting from birth until they turn five. This initiative aims to give children a “head start that lasts a lifetime,” with 85,875 books distributed this year alone.
According to Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of the North Lincolnshire Council, the program underscores the council’s commitment to supporting families and fostering early learning. 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.” Cllr Waltham emphasized that reading is foundational for confidence, achievement, and future opportunities.
The council has described the Imagination Library as “one of the most ambitious early-years literacy programmes anywhere in the country.” This initiative is extensive and inclusive, ensuring that every community benefits without any cost to families. Since its launch in 2013, the program has delivered over one million books to more than 27,000 local children, with North Lincolnshire accounting for approximately one-sixth of all Imagination Library books distributed in the UK.
The books provided are regularly updated to match the developmental needs of children. By the time they reach their fifth birthday, each participant will have received a total of 60 books. Parents are encouraged to register every eligible child, even if older siblings have previously participated. This ensures that each child can build their own home library and develop a lifelong passion for reading before beginning their formal education.
Children enrolled in the Imagination Library demonstrate significantly improved readiness for school. Data shows that nearly 67 percent of these children achieve a good level of development at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, compared to 55 percent of those not enrolled. According to Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, the program is about more than just books. She noted, “It’s about families reading together, children feeling excited about learning, and setting expectations early that education matters.”
The Imagination Library also provides parents and caregivers with monthly “ideas sheets,” which include activity suggestions, games, and information related to the child’s development, all themed around that month’s book selection. This additional resource enhances the reading experience and encourages family engagement.
As part of a global initiative, the success of the Imagination Library in North Lincolnshire is attributed to consistent local investment and strong partnerships among the council, libraries, community hubs, schools, and families. The program remains entirely free to join, with individual registration required for each child to receive their age-appropriate book every month. Interested parents can register online through the council’s website or by visiting local libraries and community hubs.
