Hay Shire Council is ending its participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Funding and Investment in Community-driven Literacy Programs for children, due to rising costs.

Council resolved at a recent meeting to transition from the Imagination Library program to a suite of locally delivered early-literacy initiatives.

Council plans to purchase over 500 new children’s books every year to benefit all families rather than the limited number of those enrolled in the Imagination Library Program at a cost of $70,000 per annum.

General Manager, David Webb said the decision recognises the approaching conclusion of NSW Government funding for the Imagination Library in 2026, and the opportunity to reinvest resources into programs that are more responsive to the needs of the Hay community.

Initial planning meetings have already been held with the Education Supervisor of Hay Children’s Services (HCS) to begin shaping Phase Two of the initiative.

“HCS enthusiastically supports a partnership with Hay Shire Council Library to co-develop and implement a locally tailored intentional program aimed at improving literacy outcomes for children in our community,” Education Supervisor, Cas Tidey said.

“We wholeheartedly back the Library Team Leader’s vision to increase consistently delivered programs and engagement with the library.

“We believe there is a significant opportunity to create a deeper, more meaningful impact through a locally driven initiative – one that builds on, and enhances, the current Storytime program.

“We have full confidence the Team Leader holds the necessary skills and qualifications to develop and deliver such a program at a drastically reduced cost to Council.” Mr Webb said.

Discussions focused on how Council and its partners can best support children, parents, caregivers and guardians - both those in formal care and those on the current childcare waitlist - to build early literacy, confidence and lifelong learning habits, while strengthening community engagement with the library.

To ensure this work reflects recognised best practice, Hay Shire Library will meet regularly with staff at HCS to formulate a detailed plan.

These ongoing meetings will allow both organisations to co-design programs and resources that meet the needs of families across the community and provide consistent, high-quality early-literacy experiences.

The library team is grateful for the time, insight and expertise being generously shared by HCS staff and looks forward to further strengthening this valued partnership as planning progresses.

Phase Two planning will continue over the coming months to identify approximate costings, funding opportunities and program structures. Already, a range of positive and innovative ideas has emerged, such as enhanced parent–child literacy workshops, outreach story times, introducing ‘baby bounce’ sessions, interactive resources and expanded family programs.

These initiatives strongly align with Hay Shire Council’s Community Strategic Plan, particularly the goals to enhance educational pathways and opportunities, create inclusive and empowered communities, and support youth and aged services.

“This decision affirms the commitment to fostering a child-safe, inclusive and literate community, and highlights the library’s role as an integral environment for exploring literacy, collaboration and connectedness,” Mr Webb said.

“By working in close partnership with Hay Children’s Services, Council will ensure the next stage of this initiative delivers sustainable, high-quality literacy opportunities for all families, both now and in the years to come.”