SALEM – New research — the largest dataset ever conducted on shared book reading — affirms that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library significantly strengthens early literacy skills for children in Oregon alongside children across the United States and in four other countries, reinforcing the power of shared reading in the earliest years of life.
The study, authored by Dr. Claire Galea, Head of Research at United Way Australia, analyzed data from more than 86,000 caregivers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Results were compared with responses from 18,112 caregivers who were on the program compared to 37,776 whose children were not in the program.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, was created over 30 years ago in honor of her father, who could not read or write. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Today, the international program mails more than three million books each month directly to children’s homes, including to families in Springfield, Cottage Grove, Creswell, and Pleasant Hill. Every enrolled child receives one book per month, from birth to age 5, at no cost to families.
Global findings
The study found that across all countries evaluated, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home – helping close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing the frequency of children being read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading.
It also shows the program builds positive family reading habits and traditions, with caregivers more likely to interact in meaningful ways (like talking about pictures and encouraging children to hold the book), reinforcing a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports children’s learning and long-term success.
National highlights
Children were 11 times more likely to be interested in books and 15 times more likely to join in during shared reading compared to children not in the program.
Children were nine times more likely to initiate shared reading and nearly three times more likely to demonstrate concepts about print compared to children not in the program.
Oregon impact
- First Oregon partner launched: 2007
- Current community partners: 50
- Program coverage: statewide
- Children under age 5 currently enrolled: 73,883
- Percentage of children under age 5 reached: 35%
Here in Oregon, the Imagination Library relies on community partners throughout the state who promote the program, assist families with enrollment, and fundraise to pay for the cost of books and mailing.
Following the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library in May 2024, the State of Oregon, through the Department of Early Learning and Care’s Birth Through Five Literacy Plan, provides a 50% monthly match to community partners to cover half the cost of books and mailing, enabling them to enroll more children.
“When we start children’s love of books early, like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has done, we build a foundation for future strong readers and writers,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “This is a perfect partnership to improve Oregon’s early literacy rates.”
Early literacy not only improves school readiness, it also builds confidence in children as they develop strong language and reading skills.
