Canterbury Imagine

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August 2026

RIP Dolly Parton

All associated with Canterbury Imagine are devastated to hear about the passing of the fantastic Dolly Parton. What a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us in Bradford. Inspired by Dolly, we believe literacy is a way out of poverty and we’ve funded more than 124,000 free books for under-5s in those areas over the years. She set up and still helps to fund the Imagination Library scheme giving free books to under-5s. Her dad couldn’t read or write and Dolly realised how important literacy was for a person’s long-term future. We currently fund books for almost 500 children in our two areas of Bradford. Dolly’s legacy will continue in Bradford and elsewhere. We met her when she played at Leeds Arena some years ago and she was warm, wise, funny, generous and a supremely talented star. Shine bright as ever, Dolly

June 2026

NEW Free story sessions on Friday mornings

FREE STORY SESSIONS You and your child are invited to come and have fun with books! Children born in 2021, 2022 and 2023: FRIDAYS 12 June, 26 June and 10 July 2026 Children born in 2024. 2025 or 2026: FRIDAYS 19 June and 3 July All at 9.30-10.15am, Canterbury Nursery School, Basil Street, BD5 9HL Based around a book from Canterbury Imagine and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. A small free activity for your child, too. Please book your place by email canterburyimagine@btinternet.com

March 2026

World Book Day 2026

To celebrate World Book Day here's an absolute classic of a book arriving to our families in Bradford this month. Can you see who it is? #worldbookday2026 Does your little one have this book?

February 2026

Year of Reading

So, 2026 is the National Year of Reading. It's a campaign from the National Literacy Trust (which has a hub in Bradford) and we hope it's encouraging our families to read even more with their children! Reading for pleasure is a key factor in doing well with literacy throughout life.

November 2025

Getting children ready for school

New research shows many children don't have the skills to be ready for school. We're trying to help with this, as talking about and looking at books are so important. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78zp2jdjy2o

August 2025

Want to be an influencer or brand ambassador for us?

We're looking for parents whose children enjoy their free books in Bradford to promote them to other families and get more babies loving their books! Email Jan if you're interested at canterburyimagine@btinternet.com

September 2024

Did you see us at Buckingham Palace?!

In recognition of our work in Bradford, we were honoured with an invitation to a Buckingham Palace garden party attended by Prince William and other members of the royal family. See more: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24371517.canterbury-imagine-volunteers-attend-buckingham-palace-garden-party/

July 2023

LIBRARY SUMMER SCHEME

Did you know that your local library has a fun reading challenge for children during the summer holidays? Check here for more details: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries/children-and-young-people/summer-reading-challenge-2023/

July 2023

Are you enjoying your books?

Get in touch to let us know which books your child is enjoying this summer! Email canterburyimagine@btinternet.com

February 2023

MANNINGHAM IMAGINE - free books for under-5s

Get lovely free books for your under-5s if you live in the Manningham ward in Bradford. Click the link on our home page or the Parents page to check your postcode and register.

RIP Dolly Parton

NEW Free story sessions on Friday mornings

World Book Day 2026

Year of Reading

Getting children ready for school

Want to be an influencer or brand ambassador for us?

Did you see us at Buckingham Palace?!

LIBRARY SUMMER SCHEME

Are you enjoying your books?

MANNINGHAM IMAGINE - free books for under-5s

Make a donation,
make a difference

About Canterbury Imagine

RIP Dolly Parton

NEW Free story sessions on Friday mornings

World Book Day 2026

Year of Reading

Getting children ready for school

Want to be an influencer or brand ambassador for us?

Did you see us at Buckingham Palace?!

LIBRARY SUMMER SCHEME

Are you enjoying your books?

MANNINGHAM IMAGINE - free books for under-5s

Make a donation,make a difference

About Canterbury Imagine

Make a donation,
make a difference