Growing a love of reading doesn’t have to be expensive. There are real programs that mail free books to young children, plus plenty of ways to borrow or download books for free. Here are the best options.
Table of Contents
1. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library in Tennessee in 1995. It mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to registered children from birth to age 5, regardless of family income, and the program continues after her death in August 2026.
- How it works: local partners (often libraries, United Ways or state programs) share the cost, so availability depends on where you live.
- Who can join: children under 5 in participating areas of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and Ireland. Many U.S. states now offer it statewide.
- How to sign up: check your address on the official Imagination Library website (imaginationlibrary.com). If your area is covered, you’ll see a sign-up form.
2. Your public library
The most powerful free book resource:
- Borrow print books, board books and picture books
- Story times and summer reading programs, often with free prizes or books for finishing
- Libby and Hoopla apps for free e-books and audiobooks with a library card
- Some libraries mail books to homebound families or run “books from birth” programs
3. Summer reading challenges
Many libraries and some retailers run summer reading programs that reward kids with a free book or small prize for reading a set number of books. Ask at your library or check bookstore websites each spring.
4. Little Free Libraries
These small neighborhood book boxes let anyone take a book or leave one. The Little Free Library organization’s map shows boxes near you.
5. School and classroom programs
Schools often distribute free books through reading initiatives, book fairs with free-book vouchers for families in need, or partnerships with literacy nonprofits.
6. Reach Out and Read
At participating pediatric clinics, doctors give young children a new book at checkups and talk with parents about reading aloud.
7. Free e-books for kids
Public-domain classics are available free from reputable digital libraries, and many children’s book publishers offer free read-alouds and sample chapters online.
8. Book swaps
Community centers, churches and parent groups often host book swaps where families trade outgrown books.
9. Ask for books as gifts
Encourage relatives to give books for birthdays and holidays. A “bring a book instead of a card” birthday party builds a home library fast.
Watch out for fake “free book” offers
Some sites advertise “free books” that turn into paid book clubs or subscriptions. Read the terms before entering payment details; legitimate free book programs like the Imagination Library never ask for card information.
FAQ
Is the Imagination Library really free?
Yes, for families. Costs are covered by the program and local partners.
What if my area isn’t covered?
Check back, since new areas join regularly, and contact your library or local United Way about starting or supporting a local program.
At what age should I start reading to my baby?
Reading aloud from birth is encouraged by pediatric and literacy experts; even short daily sessions help.
Md. Emam Hasan is the founder of Freestuffbase and a digital marketer and SEO specialist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He researches free samples, gift card policies and sweepstakes rules from official sources, and writes practical guides to help readers save money and avoid scams. More at emamit.com.