Baby book gifting scheme 'nurtures bonding'

A country music star's charity that gives free books to young children helps to "nurture bonding and attachment", the Isle of Man's head of midwifery has said.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, launched in December on the island, delivers a free book each month to children under the age of five in a bid to improve literacy rates and education outcomes.

Since the end of February, all babies born in the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit have been given a copy of the Tale of Peter Rabbit, included in parents' discharge packs.

Manx Care's head of midwifery Regan Baggley said: "Although babies do not understand words yet, the experience of hearing their parents' voice soothes and calms."

"Reading creates a close calm time to spend with their baby, which nurtures bonding and attachment," she continued.

In 2025, there were 566 babies born on the Isle of Man.

Parents also receive information about the free book gifting programme, currently available to Douglas residents, which can see young children accumulate a total of 60 books if their parents sign them up from birth.

Trish McDonnough, who organises the scheme on the island, said she had received very positive feedback from parents.

"It makes it all worthwhile, hearing how pleased the children are, and the excitement of receiving something in the post for them," she said.

"The babies will, from very early on, benefit from the books."

Subject to funding, McDonnough hopes the scheme - which currently has about 460 children signed up - will roll out across the island.

One parent, Laura Gill, said it was "such a lovely scheme, and as a family of book-lovers, we are really grateful."

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