Hay Shire Council has announced a significant shift in its approach to children’s literacy by discontinuing its involvement in the **Dolly Parton Imagination Library**. Rising costs have prompted the council to transition to a suite of locally delivered early literacy initiatives. This new strategy aims to enhance literacy opportunities for all families in the Hay community, rather than only those enrolled in the previous program.
During a recent meeting, the council resolved to allocate approximately **$70,000** annually to purchase over **500 new children’s books** each year. This decision is partly influenced by the pending conclusion of New South Wales Government funding for the Imagination Library in **2026**. General Manager **David Webb** indicated that this transition reflects the council’s commitment to reinvesting resources into more locally responsive programs.
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Literacy
Initial planning meetings have involved key figures from **Hay Children’s Services** (HCS), including Education Supervisor **Cas Tidey**. The partnership aims to co-develop a tailored literacy program that improves outcomes for children in the community. Tidey expressed strong support for this collaboration, stating, “We wholeheartedly back the Library Team Leader’s vision to increase consistently delivered programs and engagement with the library.”
The council’s discussions have concentrated on how best to support children, parents, caregivers, and guardians, particularly those in formal care and those currently on the childcare waitlist. The goal is to foster early literacy, build confidence, and instill lifelong learning habits while enhancing community engagement with the library.
To maintain high standards, Hay Shire Library will regularly meet with HCS staff to formulate a detailed implementation plan. These collaborative meetings will ensure that both organizations can co-design programs and resources that meet the diverse needs of families in the area.
Innovative Ideas for Future Programs
As planning progresses, a range of innovative ideas has already emerged. Proposed initiatives include enhanced parent-child literacy workshops, outreach story times, and ‘baby bounce’ sessions. These initiatives are designed to create interactive and enjoyable learning experiences for families, promoting a culture of literacy in the community.
Webb noted that these efforts align closely with Hay Shire Council’s **Community Strategic Plan**. The plan emphasizes enhancing educational pathways, creating inclusive communities, and supporting youth services. “This decision affirms the commitment to fostering a child-safe, inclusive and literate community,” he stated.
The collaborative approach between Hay Shire Council and Hay Children’s Services is expected to result in sustainable, high-quality literacy opportunities for families in the area, ensuring that the next phase of this initiative meets the evolving needs of the community. As planning continues, both organizations are dedicated to providing valuable literacy experiences for children, reinforcing the library as a vital resource for learning and engagement.
This article was originally published in **The Riverine Grazier** on **October 15, 2025**.
