Final chapter for Dolly’s Imagination Library

ROTHERHAM Council will end its Imagination Library book-gifting service, which costs up to £400k a year to run.

It will close in February following consultation after the move was included in budget plans to save £23 million this year.

The service — launched by Dolly Parton in 2007 — sees a free monthly book sent to under-fives to encourage reading.

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

Anyone wishing to challenge Commissioner Stella Manzie’s “minded to” decision has until 5pm on Monday. Email [email protected].