Original Article:
In August 2021, Anchorage Imagination Library made an important service announcement. Due to limited funding, Best Beginnings has made the decision to end service in the following zip codes: 99505, 99506, 99515, 99516, 99567, and 99577. Children who are currently enrolled in those areas will be receiving their last book soon, and we will not be accepting new registrations in those areas at this time.
Anchorage Imagination Library service will continue to operate and accept new registrations in the following zip codes: 99501, 99502, 99503, 99504, 99507, 99508, 99514, 99517, 99518, 99587 and local area P.O. Boxes.This change will reduce the number of children we serve from 7,500 Anchorage children to just over 5,000. We hope that this change will allow us to use our limited capacity more efficiently in order to serve the families with the greatest need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Anchorage Imagination Library funded?
Each child enrolled in Imagination Library comes at a cost of about $30 per child per year to the local sponsor (that’s us). This low cost is made possible by the Dollywood Foundation that handles all book purchasing and shipping to families.
For many years we’ve been able to cover that cost in partnership with funding from the State of Alaska and private donations. When the state reduced the funding of Best Beginnings by 2/3 in 2016, many businesses and individuals stepped up to keep the books coming. However, this support hasn’t been enough to cover the total cost of the program, exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What can I do to help?
Sustainable funding is key to the continuation of Anchorage Imagination Library. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and getting books into the hands of children, we invite you to join us as a monthly donor.
If you or an organization you work with is interested in becoming a sustaining donor of Imagination Library in Alaska, please contact our Development Director, Amie Collins, at or (907) 297-3311.
Where is Imagination Library still available?
In Anchorage, service will continue in the following zip codes: 99501, 99502, 99503, 99504, 99507, 99508, 99514, 99517, 99518, 99587 and local area P.O. Boxes.
The zip codes affected by this reduction is service are: 99505, 99506, 99515, 99516, 99567, and 99577.
This change will reduce the number of children we serve from 7,500 Anchorage children to just over 5,000. We hope that this change will allow us to use our limited capacity more efficiently in order to serve the families with the greatest need.
Additionally, Imagination Library is available in 111 communities statewide and continues to serve over 15,000 Alaska children, making it one of the largest programs in the US. Click here to see a complete list.
What resources are still available to me?
Best Beginnings serves all Alaska families, regardless of whether Imagination Library is available in your area! You will continue to receive our monthly newsletter and weekly parent newsletter packed with literacy and learning tips to support your young child.
We also invite you to check out our early learning activities and the many resources on our website to support you. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram to hear about current opportunities for families, such as our virtual summer camps and little free libraries projects.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you would like more information on this change or any of the services Best Beginnings offers, email us at or call our office at (907) 297-3300.
