Ready. Set. READ!
Ready. Set. READ! is an EPL program in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting FREE books to children from birth to age five. Studies have shown that children growing up in homes with books get three years more schooling than children from bookless homes, independent of their parents’ education or occupation.
Looking to donate? Support Ready. Set. READ! here.
Free Books (To Keep!) For Your Child
A child learns to love books and build reading skills at home starting from birth.
The Edmonton Public Library can help.
How Ready. Set. READ! Works
Eligible children will receive one new book every month until age five. Each book is age-appropriate and selected by experts to meet your child’s developmental needs. The books are mailed to your family’s house and are yours to keep forever.
Having books in the home makes it easier to make reading an everyday part of your child's routine. Learn more about why reading with children is important.
Application Process
Application Process
Registration for Ready. Set. READ! opens on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at noon (MT).
Beginning March 10, registration for Ready. Set. READ! will open on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. (noon MT). Registration follows a first‑come, first‑served model and will remain open until all available spots for that month are filled.
The number of available spots — and how long registration stays open — may vary each month based on program vacancies and funded capacity.
EPL does not maintain a waiting list. If registration fills before you are able to complete it, please try again when it reopens the following month.
How to Register
To register, please follow these steps:
- Go to imaginationlibrary.com
- Click Check Availability (top right)
- Select Canada and click Next
If ONLINE REGISTRATION appears as an option:
Spots are still available. Click Continue and follow the steps to complete the online registration.
If ONLINE REGISTRATION does not appear:
All funded spots for this month are full. Please try again next month.
If you receive the message “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is currently unavailable in your area”:
Please contact rsread@epl.ca for assistance.
After submitting your registration, you will receive an email indicating your application is pending approval. Approval may take several weeks. Once approved, you will receive a welcome email with additional program details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Ready. Set. READ!
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Registration opens on the second Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. (noon MT).
Because spaces are limited by funded capacity, registration is firstcome, firstserved and will close once monthly spots are filled.Families register directly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by following the stepbystep instructions on our website. EPL staff cannot register on behalf of families, and we do not provide a direct registration link.
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Registration opens the second Tuesday of each month at noon MT and remains open until the month’s funded spots are filled.
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This updated monthly process was developed in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to align with their program requirements and ensure a clear, consistent registration schedule.
The number of new registrations each month is based on available funded capacity.
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We understand it can be disappointing when registration fills fast. The program is very popular, and the number of new monthly spots is limited by donor funded capacity.
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No, a library card is not required to apply to the program. However, EPL cards are FREE and let you borrow thousands of print and digital materials including books, movies, video games and more. To sign up online, visit epl.ca/FreeCard.
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After your registration is approved through Imagination Library, books typically begin arriving within 7–10 weeks.
This timing is the same for all families and does not depend on the exact day you register.
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You can preview the book list on the Imagination Library website. Titles may change based on availability.
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No. Staff can guide you to the instructions, but families must complete the registration steps directly through Imagination Library.
Why Read To Your Child
Our goal with Ready. Set. READ! is to help you make reading part of your child’s everyday routine.
You are your child’s first (and best!) teacher. Reading with your child is the best way for them to learn the skills they need to become a good reader.
With strong language and reading skills, your child is more likely to:
- Go further in school
- Have a higher income
- Be happier and healthier throughout life
Becoming a good reader starts at home.
Pay it Forward
Edmonton Public Library’s Ready. Set. READ! program is 100% funded by donations. Every dollar received helps to get us one step closer to preparing Edmonton children for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.
Ready. Set. READ! is free for families to participate and there is no obligation for you to donate; however, please consider paying it forward so that more children in Edmonton have books in their home.
The more money that we raise the more books we will be able to provide to children. Please consider giving today!
Ways to Give
Online |
By MailFund Development |
Visit a Branch |
For more information about Giving to Edmonton Public Library, please visit our Give page.
EPL and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Ready. Set. READ! is delivered in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a free book gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in the hearts of children everywhere. Operating since 1995, it currently distributes more than 2.7 million books each month to children around the world.
