Alabama House committee approves state Imagination Library Program bill

A House committee Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that would permanently fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the state. 

HB 50, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, would require the state to partner with local governments to split the costs of the program, which mails free, “high quality” books to children regardless of family income. 

“I think they even may have finally gotten it in all 67 counties. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about it is to promote the love of reading in our young people,” Collins said to the committee.

Gov. Kay Ivey launched a statewide effort to expand the program to all 67 counties in 2023. The bill does not change the way the program operates but codifies an executive order signed by Ivey in 2023 to establish the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library.

Last year, Ivey released a statement saying over two million books had been distributed to children in all counties across the state. The statement also said over 106,000 students are enrolled in the Imagination Library program.

Under the bill, state funds will make up half of the program’s funding and local partners will make up half. Private donations can also be contributed to help fund the Imagination Library.

According to the bill, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education will manage the Imagination Library program and is also responsible for working with a nonprofit to operate the program and create rules as needed.

Collins filed a similar bill during the 2025 legislative session. It did not pass in the Senate because of time constraints.