Knauf Drywall, manufacturer of lightweight building materials and systems, has become the first ever corporate programme operator of Dolly Parton's UK Imagination Library.

The initiative, launched here in December 2007, aims to improve literacy in under fives through a charitable scheme of book distribution to registered children, and over 200,000 books have been delivered nationwide.

As the first corporate programme operator, Knauf Drywall is running a registration programme for the children of its employees.

“Knauf Drywall recognises that reading is fundamental to learning and growth, but it should be fun too! We are delighted to be involved with the Imagination Library – it’s our way of encouraging employees to share some time with their kids in an activity that is so beneficial,” said Barbara Findlay, HR manager.

“It creates the potential for UK industry to have a workforce in the future that can lead and outperform its world competitors. “

The music star launched the Imagination Library in Tennessee in 1996. Dolly's vision was to foster a love of reading among preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a book each month. The programme is now running in over 1200 communities throughout Europe and North America.