MOBILE, Ala. – Mobile County Public Schools is partnering with United Way of Southwest Alabama to provide free books each month for children up to age five through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Children whose parents enroll in the program can receive one brand-new, age-appropriate book each month until their fifth birthday. Depending on when they sign up, they can receive up to 60 free books before starting kindergarten.

To sign up, visit United Way’s website at uwswa.org. Click the Get Help button and click on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  (Or, click here: Registration Form)

MCPSS is contributing $225,000 in state grant funding and the United Way of Southwest Alabama is covering the postage costs for the books.

“Early literacy is the cornerstone of academic achievement and lifelong success,” said Superintendent Chresal Threadgill. “Through our partnership with United Way of Southwest Alabama and our substantial investment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Mobile County Public Schools is taking a proactive approach to preparing our youngest learners for school. By providing these valuable resources, we are laying the groundwork for brighter futures and stronger communities.”

Through this partnership, the goal is to sign up 1,800 eligible Mobile County children. Coupled with matching funds from the State of Alabama, nearly 4,000 local children will benefit. The focus is on enrolling children who are homeless or at risk, ensuring they have access to their own personal library before they start school.

“Education starts in the home long before children step into a classroom,” said Justine Bixler, President & CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. “Giving children the tools they need to thrive in school by making reading a consistent part of their lives is key to their overall development and ability to thrive later in life and as they enter our workforce. We are grateful for MCPSS’s leadership in our community and we are proud to work with them to build more opportunities and bright futures for our youth.”

Research shows that 90 percent of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to reading.