UPDATE: Hay Shire Council has just announced a major shift in its literacy efforts for children, discontinuing its participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library due to soaring costs. This urgent move comes as the council prepares to launch a new, locally-driven early literacy initiative aimed at benefiting all families in the community.
During a recent council meeting, officials confirmed that they will transition from the Imagination Library program, which costs the council $70,000 annually, to a more sustainable strategy that includes purchasing over 500 new children’s books each year. This new approach is designed to maximize access and support for all children, rather than the limited enrollment of the previous program.
David Webb, General Manager of Hay Shire Council, stated that this decision is a proactive response to the impending conclusion of NSW Government funding for the Imagination Library in 2026. “We see this as an opportunity to reinvest resources into programs that are more responsive to the needs of the Hay community,” he said.
Planning for the new initiative is already underway, with initial meetings held between Hay Library’s Ashleigh Stokes and Cas Tidey, Education Supervisor of Hay Children’s Services (HCS). They aim to co-develop a tailored literacy program that enhances outcomes for local children.
“We wholeheartedly back the Library Team Leader’s vision to increase consistently delivered programs and engagement with the library,” said Tidey. This partnership promises to deepen community ties and expand literacy opportunities, moving beyond traditional Storytime sessions.
The council emphasizes that this initiative reflects a commitment to fostering a child-safe, inclusive, and literate community. It aims to support not just children in formal care but also those on the childcare waitlist. Webb noted that ongoing discussions will focus on how to best support children, parents, and caregivers in building early literacy skills and lifelong learning habits.
In the coming months, Hay Shire Library will collaborate closely with HCS to formulate a detailed plan that meets community needs. This co-design process will ensure that the programs delivered are of high quality and consistent across the board.
Innovative ideas are already emerging from these planning sessions, including enhanced parent-child literacy workshops, outreach story times, and interactive resources for families. These initiatives align with Hay Shire Council’s Community Strategic Plan, particularly in enhancing educational pathways and creating empowered communities.
“We believe there is a significant opportunity to create a deeper, more meaningful impact through a locally driven initiative,” Webb added. “By working with Hay Children’s Services, we will ensure that the next stage of this initiative delivers sustainable, high-quality literacy opportunities for all families.”
As planning for Phase Two progresses, the council will seek funding opportunities and establish program structures to ensure that the literacy initiative is both effective and far-reaching.
Stay tuned for further updates as Hay Shire Council takes decisive steps to improve literacy outcomes for children in the region. This urgent initiative is set to reshape how families engage with reading and learning, fostering a love of literacy in the heart of the community.
