FAMILIES across Tamworth have been opening their doors to a new book delivery each month, with more than 1000 babies now registered in a program aiming to start a new chapter for literacy.
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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had been running in Tamworth for close to two years when the milestone was reached.
The joint initiative provides kids born locally with a free book each month of their life, from birth to five years old.
Tamworth country music star and local ambassador Ashleigh Dallas said her daughter Harriet was one of the first babies to become part of the global program when she was born at Tamworth hospital.
More than 990 other bubs have now followed in her booties.
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"I think it will show in about five years time just how important it is for all those kids, when they get to early childhood and school," Mrs Dallas said.
"There's something about the feel of a book, and this program is making that come back and making it essential in early development and I love it."
The Dallas family look forward to the knock on the door that signifies a new literary adventure.
"Every time a book comes from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to our doorstep it's exciting, [Harriet] gets excited, we unwrap it, she gets to touch and feel the book," Mrs Dallas said.
"It's also connected us to our postman, it's a real community thing.
"To now know we've got 1000 [children] here taking full advantage of the benefits of this program is just wonderful."
In Australia, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library kicks off a baby's book experience with Mem Fox's Koala Lou - one of little Harriet's favourites - followed by dozens more over the years, chosen by an expert panel.
"It's a pretty impressive book collection already I must admit, at nearly two [years old], so I can't imagine what it's going to look like at five," Mrs Dallas said.
"Even when Harriet falls asleep of a night while I'm reading her a book, I must admit, I finish it, I make sure I get to the end."
Mrs Dallas said part of the bonding experience is each book also comes with tips and some activity ideas to do as a family, in relation to the story.
Tamworth Regional Council, along with several local businesses and organisations, supports the program.
Mayor Col Murray believes the impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will boost the city's literacy rates, which he described on Tuesday as "not truly enviable".
"It's pretty amazing that we've now got 1000 babies signed up to hopefully become more literate and have that early education opportunity that so many have missed out on in the past," he said.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
