Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gets the chop

The children’s book-gifting scheme — launched by singer Dolly Parton — has taken more than £2 million from the public purse since 2007.

Rotherham Borough Council, which has invested £1 million, proposed the closure as part of £23 million budget savings this year.

There were 489 consultation responses — 438 of which called for the free books to continue. More than 1,000 people signed an online petition.

One parent said: “The Imagination Library is one of the best things for kids in Rotherham. Mine have benefited a lot from having these books.

“Reading is so important and it really does do wonders for their imagination. My eldest is now six and reads the new book to her brother each month.”

An expectant mum suggested trimming costs by having parents collect the books at libraries rather than post them out.

“It would generate footfall and increase audiences for libraries,” she said. “I’m sad that my child will lose out on this service.”

But one respondent said: “While I believe books are important to young children, I do believe this money could be better spent elsewhere.

“I have seen these books sold at car boots. Why should people benefit from a free service?”

Another added: “In times when cuts are being made to essential services, it seems common sense to make savings from cutting non-essential services.”

Registered children receive age appropriate books once a month up to the age of five. Four out of five eligible kids are signed up.

The council’s contribution rose from £140,716 in the first full year to £381,161 in 2013/14. The NHS and chamber of commerce made smaller one-off grants.

A council spokeswoman said: “We will continue to run existing book services for children, including the national Bookstart scheme.

“The ‘minded-to’ decision comes after a public consultation was held to consider the viability of continuing the scheme.

“Books will continue to be sent to those children already registered with the Imagination Library until the scheme ends in February 2016.”

l Anyone wishing to make a representation on the decision can email [email protected] by 5pm on Monday.