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.
New Application Process
Our Ready. Set. READ! program, part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is at capacity, and interest continues to grow. To make the process fair and accessible, we are moving to a draw system for new spots in the program.
How It Works
- Every four months, we will hold a draw for available spots in the program. The first draw will take place on May 1.
- Families can apply to be part of the draw by filling out a form with their email address, child’s date of birth, and postal code. Children must be 54 months of age or younger to qualify.
- Parents/caregivers can enter each eligible child once.
- Once entered, your child will remain in the draw for 365 days (or until they age out). If you’re unsure whether it’s been over 365 since you last entered the draw, you can enter again. Duplicate entries will be removed before the draw takes place, and only the most recent entry will be kept.
If Your Child is Selected
- Families selected in the draw will receive an email with a link to complete registration for the chosen child only. When registering, the postal code and child’s date of birth must match the information provided during the draw entry.
- You will have 5 days to submit the registration form.
- If you do not complete registration within this time, the spot will be offered to another family.
How to Apply
To enter the draw, simply fill in the application form below. If your child is not selected in one draw, they will stay in the system for future draws for up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Ready. Set. READ!
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Yes! All books are free until your child turns five, when they graduate and stop receiving books. Books are mailed directly to your house and are yours to keep forever.
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You can enter the draw at any point as long as your child is 54 months of age or younger at the time of entry. Your entry will be valid for 365 days from when you entered. If you’re unsure whether it’s been over 365 since you last entered the draw, you can enter again. Duplicate entries will be removed before the draw takes place, and only the most recent entry will be kept.
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No, since your child will turn five before the first book is mailed out (7-10 weeks after your application is submitted).
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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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If your child's application is approved, it generally takes 7-10 weeks from the time you apply until the first book arrives at your door.
Here are a few examples:
- You sign up on March 2. Books for children signed up in March will be mailed out in May.
- You sign up on May 29. Books for children signed up in May will be mailed out in July.
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The list of titles is available here. Please note that book titles are subject to change based on supply chain issues.
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No. People can sign up for the draw entry at any point so there is no longer a need for a notification list. People who have signed up for our notification list in the past have been notified about entering the draw.
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Yes! Each child (54 months and under) must be entered separately. If selected, each child will receive an age-appropriate book based on their year of birth. Books may arrive at different times.
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.
