Oregon provides enrolled young children one free book each month

Oregon’s Imagination Library Program provides one free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children. The program serves Oregon residents from birth through age five. Children must enroll in the program. Families pay nothing for the books. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

The Department of Early Learning and Care administers the program through a contract with a statewide nonprofit group. The statewide nonprofit group coordinates with a national nonprofit foundation that provides books to enrolled children. The nonprofit group must make the program available statewide, coordinate with local partners, and seek donations and other private support. State funds may cover no more than half of the total book and mailing costs in a fiscal year. The 50 percent limit applies to state funds for book and mailing costs in each fiscal year.

The Oregon Imagination Library Account holds program money for the Department of Early Learning and Care. The account is within the Department of Early Learning and Care Fund. The account may receive money appropriated or transferred by the legislature, as well as gifts, grants, donations, and other funds. The law makes account money available to the department to carry out the program. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.