Due to the current Canada Post strike, there will be delays in delivering books to homes. Book deliveries will resume when the strike has concluded.
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
As of 1:45 pm on October 15 our program is now full.
As children graduate from the program, spots will become available. Please check back regularly for updates on when and how we will be opening registration to fill these available spots.
If you would like to be added to a list to be notified when we will be opening registrations, please fill your email address in below:
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 apply for the program when registration is open and under the following conditions:
Children must be under five when you apply to be eligible.
If your child turns five the month after you apply, they will not receive any books since they will have hit the cut-off age of five years old before the first book is mailed out. If your child turns five the second month after you apply, they will receive the welcome book, then graduate out of the program and stop receiving books.
Here are a few examples:
- You apply on March 3 and your child turns five on April 10. Your child would not receive any books.
- You apply on March 3 and your child turns five on May 21. Your child would receive the first book only, then graduate and stop receiving books.
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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, for privacy reasons we can't maintain a waitlist for Ready. Set. READ!
If the program is full or you live outside the current service area, please check back and reapply at a later date.
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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 you apply online, you will be notified by email when your child’s application is approved or entered into our system. If you submit a paper form, you will receive a response by mail. Questions about the application process can be directed to RSRead@epl.ca.
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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.
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.
