MONTGOMERY – Alabama will reach a major early-literacy milestone this month as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library surpasses 2 million books mailed to children since the program’s rollout statewide in 2023, Gov Kay Ivey announced.
“Alabama is putting our children first. Our parents are our first teachers, and by supporting early learning at home, we are helping families build strong foundations long before a child ever enters the classroom,” said Ivey. “I am proud that every young learner in all 67 counties has the opportunity to participate.
“We will continue making early literacy a priority – with two million books now in the hands of Alabama children and more to come.”
This milestone reflects a multi-year effort to expand early-literacy access for every Alabama family, Ivey said.
In January 2023, during her inaugural address for her second full term as governor, Ivey announced her intention to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, noting that “we must encourage our children to open books during their earliest developmental stages.”
By August 2023, Alabama launched the statewide expansion, beginning enrollment and working toward the governor’s goal of ensuring that “every child in all 67 counties” could participate.
In her 2025 state of the state address, Ivey said the program had reached full availability in every county.
Now, Alabama will celebrate the delivery of 2 million books to children from up to age 5 – a milestone that demonstrates the governor’s commitment to ensuring children are opening books during their earliest developmental stages.
“Reaching two million books in just over two years demonstrates the dedication of our state leaders, communities, partners and families,” said Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping families foster a love of reading,”
Since expanding the program to every county, Alabama has ensured all eligible children can receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home each month. Enrollment now includes more than 106,000 children statewide.
The program is also available to children in foster care, ensuring that some of Alabama’s most vulnerable young learners have equal access to early-literacy support.
Parents may enroll their child by visiting ImaginationLibrary.com and start receiving monthly books at no cost.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
