Children’s of Alabama Joined Imagination Library Program
The hospital now provides books to children under five upon discharge to support statewide literacy efforts.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Children’s of Alabama has partnered with the Imagination Library of Alabama to offer enrollment materials to young patients. As part of this initiative, children under five will receive a welcome book when they are discharged from the hospital.
Why it matters
This partnership aims to expand early childhood literacy resources across the state in honor of Give Like Dolly Day. By integrating enrollment into the hospital discharge process, the program seeks to reach more families in all 67 counties.
The statewide program has already mailed over 3 million books to children since its 2023 launch. The new hospital partnership covers all 24 inpatient units at Children’s of Alabama.
The players
Children’s of Alabama
This pediatric healthcare system provides specialized medical care across 24 inpatient units in Birmingham and throughout the state.
Imagination Library of Alabama
This statewide initiative is an affiliate of the national organization founded by Dolly Parton to provide free books to children from birth to age five.
Dolly Parton
The globally recognized singer and philanthropist established the Imagination Library program in 1995 to foster a love of reading among children.
The details
Upon discharge, patients receive a copy of The Little Engine That Could alongside official program enrollment materials. The initiative is supported by local partners who manage the ongoing funding required for book purchases and mailing expenses.
Timeline
Dolly Parton established the Imagination Library in 1995.
The program launched statewide in Alabama in 2023.
Children’s of Alabama launched the enrollment partnership on September 25, 2026.
A book drive is scheduled at Rojo Birmingham from September 25 through October 31.
Market Landscape
This partnership mirrors the broader trend of healthcare institutions leveraging existing non-profit networks to improve community social determinants of health. It positions the hospital as a key stakeholder in the state's early childhood education infrastructure.
Families with children under five who visit the hospital can now sign up for free books during their discharge process. This simplifies access to the program, which provides one book per month to enrolled children.
The takeaway
Early literacy programs increasingly rely on community partnerships to identify and register eligible families. Parents can check their county status to ensure their children receive age-appropriate books delivered directly to their homes.
Further reading
For more on state-led initiatives, visit Philanthropy.
More information
Learn how to enroll your child by visiting the Imagination Library of Alabama enrollment portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bham Now.
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