Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expands to Alabama foster children

ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, announced the expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to Alabama foster children!

Starting in August, every child in foster care ages 0-5 will be automatically enrolled by DHR to receive a free high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, DHR said.

Children roll off the program following their 5^th birthday.

“Every child in Alabama deserves a strong start, and that foundation begins with reading,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “By putting a new book in the hands of our youngest Alabamians each month, we are planting the seeds for a lifetime of learning and success. I am proud that our state is leading the way in expanding the Imagination Library and am grateful to our Department of Human Resources and the Department of Early Childhood Education for their steadfast commitment to helping every child turn the page toward a brighter future.”

In 2023, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library became available to Alabama kids with registration from a parent or guardian.

Now, DHR will handle registration for each foster child at no cost to foster parents.

“In the life of a foster child, circumstances are ever-changing, and these monthly books will be something these children will look forward to every month,” Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner and. “Gifting these books will be one way we work to ensure success in their lives later down the road.”

Letters will be sent to foster parents caring for a child in the stated age range.

More information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library can be found here.