Bringing Dolly's dream to San Antonio.
Books for every child.
Every month. Always free.
The Imagination Library of San Antonio is a proud Local Program Partner of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library — the world's most celebrated early childhood book gifting program.
Each month, we mail a free, age-appropriate book directly to the homes of children from birth to age five across San Antonio — completely free to families, always. Our goal is simple: every child in San Antonio deserves access to books and the chance to fall in love with reading.
Our Mission: To build home libraries, increase literacy, and ensure access to books for all children in San Antonio.
Enroll Your Child TodayA gap worth closing.
The Imagination Library of San Antonio was born from a simple discovery: one of the most celebrated early childhood programs in the world was not available in the 7th-largest city in the United States.
A group of San Antonio parents, educators, and community advocates came together with a shared belief — that every child in this city deserves the same gift that millions of children around the world were already receiving. They brought Dolly Parton's Imagination Library home to San Antonio.
Since opening enrollment, the program has grown steadily — reaching more families, more neighborhoods, and more children every single month.
Our values
Everything we do is guided by a belief that access to books changes lives — especially in the first five years.
Access
Every child deserves a home full of books. We believe access to books in the earliest years shapes everything that follows.
Community
The best programs grow from the ground up. We meet families where they are — in their neighborhoods, libraries, and everyday spaces.
Joy
Reading should feel like a gift. We believe in the magic of a child's name on an envelope and a story shared together.
Our Team
A volunteer board of San Antonio professionals, educators, and community advocates united by a shared belief in the power of books.
Alexa Volpe, PharmD
Founded ILSA in 2022 to promote early literacy through Dolly Parton's book gifting program. A pharmacist with Oracle Health, she believes reading is essential to long-term health and wellbeing.
Juan B. Gutiérrez, PhD
UT San Antonio Professor of Mathematics and published fiction author. Brings data-driven fiscal oversight to ILSA's operations and long-term sustainability.
Sandy Norman, EdD
Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at UT San Antonio. An expert in education who champions early access to books for childhood development.
Jennifer Herrera, MS
San Antonio native with advanced training in journalism and nonprofit management. Brings 15+ years of nonprofit marketing and community engagement experience.
Kathleen Ball, PMP, MBA
Site Lead for San Antonio at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Brings strategic leadership and vision to grow ILSA's fundraising and impact.
Christa Aldrich, MA
Statewide coordinator of H-E-B's Read 3 Program and former San Antonio educator. Connects ILSA with community partners and literacy initiatives.
Aileen Fortune, CPA
Tax Manager at Ernst & Young. Brings expertise and a love of books to support ILSA's financial health and tax compliance.
Lenae Diskin, M.Ed
Educator and administrator who brings creativity and planning to create educational community events for ILSA.
Jessica Knight, BS
Educator and local author/illustrator. Combines a love of art and reading to develop literacy activities that inspire children.
Iliana Guerra, BA
San Antonio native and social media/marketing specialist. Supports ILSA's digital presence and outreach through engaging online content.
Ready to enroll your child?
Signing up takes just a few minutes. Check if your ZIP code is open and start your child's reading journey today.
