Hounslow's libraries are set to significantly expand their services, offering extended opening hours, newborn library cards, and ensuring all children under five receive free books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library scheme. The decision was approved by a majority at a Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
Councillor Fiza Ahmed, who proposed the motion, highlighted the importance of early literacy. As a teaching assistant, I am proud to be bringing this motion about increasing early literacy. It is fitting that one of the first Labour Group motions of this Administration should be about giving the children of this borough a fairer start in life,
she stated. The motion, regarding the National Year of Reading - Libraries, was passed, though an amendment proposed by Councillor Linden Grigg was refused by a majority decision.
The initiative aims to address concerning statistics, with a recent report finding that only one in three children and young people currently enjoy reading for pleasure. Furthermore, over a quarter of children leave primary school not meeting the expected standard in reading. This figure rises to 40% for children from white working-class backgrounds and 49% for those with Special Educational Needs.
Under the expanded services, every child under five in Hounslow will have the opportunity to sign up to receive free books delivered to their home as part of the Dolly Parton 'Imagination Library' scheme. The council also resolved to continue finding innovative ways to expand library and family hub engagement at every stage of a child's development. This broader initiative seeks to promote a culture of reading, learning, and enrichment, fostering community cohesion and potentially alleviating pressure on other council services.
The meeting minutes do not explicitly detail dissenting opinions beyond the recorded vote outcomes. The full details of the council meeting can be found in the Public reports pack.