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Free books and story times for babies and toddlers

Three free ways to get books into little hands: your public library (books to borrow and story times, which the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests from about 18 months), Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (a free book in the mail each month from birth to age five, where a local partner runs it), and Reach Out and Read (a new book at checkups at clinics that take part).

Checked October 29, 2026.

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What happens at a library story time for babies and toddlers?

Each library runs its own, so check its calendar. The AAP lists a trip to the library for story time among the things 18 to 23 month olds enjoy, and suggests it again for preschoolers, along with borrowing books.

  • Look on your library's website or calendar for “baby”, “toddler” or “family” story time.
  • Ask at the children's desk about a library card for your child and a 1,000 books log.
  • It's fine to leave early, to feed, or to walk around with a toddler who won't sit.

What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?

The Imagination Library gifts books, free of charge, to children from birth to age five: a specially selected book arrives in the mail each month. It's paid for by Dolly Parton and local community partners, so it's available where a local partner runs it, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. To see whether it covers your area, use “Check availability” on imaginationlibrary.com.

What is Reach Out and Read?

Reach Out and Read works through pediatric checkups. At a participating clinic, each child gets a new book for their age to take home, and the clinician talks with parents about reading aloud and shows how to hold a book to engage a little one. It began in 1989 at Boston City Hospital and says it reaches 4.8 million children at 6,800 sites in all 50 states. Ask your child's clinic, or look it up on Find a Site.

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