MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama will mark a major early-literacy achievement this month as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library surpasses two million books mailed to children statewide since its full rollout.
“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,” Governor Ivey said. “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.”
The milestone caps a multi-year effort led by Governor Ivey to expand early-literacy access to every Alabama family. The governor first announced her intention to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library during her January 2023 inaugural address, where she emphasized the importance of introducing books during a child’s earliest developmental stages.
By August 2023, Alabama officially launched the statewide expansion and began enrolling children in all 67 counties. During her 2025 State of the State address, Governor Ivey confirmed that the program had reached full availability statewide.
This December, the state will celebrate the delivery of more than two million books to children from birth to age five. According to state officials, the achievement reflects growing participation, with more than 106,000 children now enrolled.
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks said the accomplishment highlights strong statewide collaboration.
“Reaching two million books in just over two years demonstrates the dedication of our state leaders, communities, partners and families. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping families foster a love of reading,” Brooks said.
The program provides enrolled children with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month. It is also available to children in foster care, ensuring that some of the state’s most vulnerable young learners have equal access to early-literacy resources.
Parents and guardians may enroll eligible children by visiting ImaginationLibrary.com, where registration is available at no cost.
