“It Feels Good When You Receive Something in the Mail That Is Just for You”
Reflections from an Imagination Library graduate, 12 years on
In 2013, Eden was one of the first children to join the newly launched Imagination Library in Glenelg, VIC. At the official launch event, a now-iconic photo was taken of Eden proudly sitting with a book in hand beside Peter Chellis, Plant Manager of Portland Aluminium, a funder of the Glenelg Imagination Library.
Twelve years later, that moment was lovingly recreated to celebrate a major milestone – the graduation of the 1,000th child from the Glenelg Imagination Library.
As part of the celebration, Eden reflected on how receiving a book each month as a child shaped their love of reading and continues to influence their life today.
“Some of my best memories are getting the books in the mailbox and reading together in the lounge room or in bed with Mum and Dad,” Eden said. “We had books everywhere – on holidays, in the car, even on the plane. We packed them everywhere we went.”
“Some of my best memories are getting the books in the mailbox and reading together in the lounge room or in bed with Mum and Dad”
Eden began reading independently from Prep and continued right through primary school. “Mum and Dad read a lot and were really good role models,” they said. “It set a foundation. Even though I didn’t read much between Year 7 and 9, I’ve come back to it now – I read for enjoyment, especially comedy books. I share them with friends, buy books, and use the library regularly.”
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Eden noted, “It built a good habit from a young age, and I still read independently. I think all that reading helped my spelling too, especially through regular library visits.”
Those good habits Eden mentions reflect what we see in our research: children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are read to more often, for longer durations, and have more books at home than the average Australian child. These early, regular reading routines are linked with stronger emerging language and literacy skills. If you would like to learn more about our research visit measuring the impact of the Imagination Library worldwide.
“It built a good habit from a young age, and I still read independently. I think all that reading helped my spelling too”
When asked if they’d recommend the program to others, Eden didn’t hesitate: “Get involved. It creates good habits, great outcomes, and it feels good when you receive something in the mail that is just for you.”
United Way Glenelg’s Executive Officer, Nicole Carr, said Eden’s story perfectly captures the heart of the program. “Eden’s story is not only nostalgic, but it also highlights how powerful a book in a child’s hand can be. That early exposure builds confidence, connection, and curiosity that carries on for years.”
Since its introduction to Glenelg Shire in 2013 by United Way Glenelg, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has delivered over 53,000 books to local children across Glenelg, fostering a love of reading from infancy.
Thank you to Nicole Carr, Executive Officer at United Way Glenelg, for allowing us to share this story.
Check if Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available in your area and start your child’s reading journey at:
