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. If you have limited children’s books in your home, apply for your child to receive a new book every month until age five.

Edmonton Public Library is a fantastic place to find books, but having books on hand in your home-library is a fun way to develop favourite books, build literacy skills and enjoy reading at home.

Here’s what you need to know about the literacy program

• Qualifying families must live within: Abbottsfield – Penny McKee, Calder, Castle Downs, Clareview, Highlands, Jasper Place, Londonderry, McConachie, Sprucewood, Stanley A. Milner or Woodcroft area.

• Children under the age of five can be registered for the program and will receive a book, each month, until they turn five.

• Books are yours to keep, forever, to build your library collection at home.

How to Register for the Program

Eligible families can apply online, here or complete a paper form available for pick up at any of the 21 library locations in Edmonton. Once the form has been filled, it can be dropped off in-person.

Ready. Set. READ! is delivered in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.