State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Bay Minette) visited the Bay Minette Public Library recently to present a $5,000 donation, bolstering the library's efforts to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

The program, which provides free books to children from birth until their fifth birthday, recently expanded to serve all of Baldwin County.

Originally launched in January 2022, the program was made possible through an initial donation from Albritton and a grant from International Paper. It began by focusing on Bay Minette and north Baldwin County, providing monthly books to local children. The recent expansion comes as a result of Gov. Kay Ivey's statewide initiative to grow the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, announced in August 2023. Following the announcement, the Dollywood Foundation Regional Director reached out to Bay Minette Public Library Director Joanna Bailey, encouraging the library to extend its reach.

The Bay Minette Public Library now acts as the countywide champion of the initiative, ensuring that every eligible child in Baldwin County has access to this literacy resource. Baldwin County, which ranks as the fourth-largest county in Alabama according to the 2020 U.S. Census, stands to benefit significantly from the expanded program.

"Given the size and population of Baldwin County, Senator Albritton's contribution will go a long way in funding the program," Bailey said. "We appreciate his continued support in funding our Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and I know the parents and children of Baldwin County appreciate his support as well."

Families can register their children for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library by visiting https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/ALBAYMINETTE/. Registration is also available in person at the Bay Minette Public Library, located at 205 W. 2nd St., or by emailing completed forms to jbailey@cityofbayminetteal.gov.