Todmorden News

CMBC To Reconsider Imagination Library

Calderdale Councillors are to look again at whether or not the Council should proceed with the proposed Imagination Library. Members of Calderdale’s Cabinet will discuss the future of the scheme when they meet on Monday (June 21st) and whether the Council should proceed with the contract.

Imagination Libraries were originally the idea of singer, Dolly Parton, who founded the first scheme in 1996 in her home town of Sevierville, Tennessee.

Imagination Libraries in the USA provide a book each month from birth until age five to registered children in participating communities. But each scheme needs a local sponsor to fund the cost of the books and mailing. Under the current proposals the Council would sponsor the Imagination Library at a cost of £1million over three years.
Councillors say that, in the current financial climate, it is right that they take another careful look at the scheme to see whether or not it is good value for money.

Calderdale’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr. Mrs Olwen Jennings, says:
“The contract for the delivery of the Imagination Library has not yet been signed so this gives the Cabinet and the Council the opportunity to think about this matter again. Financially, things will be difficult for the Council over the next few years so it is sensible to look at this scheme to see whether it really is the best way to spend £1million.

“If Cabinet wants to make a change then the matter will go to Council for a final decision so every member of the Council will be able to have their say on the issue.”

Cllr Tim Swift, Deputy Leader, adds:
“When we know that the Council is going to face some really tough decisions it has to be right that we look carefully at new projects where money has not yet been spent.”