International Study shows impact of Imagination Library

New groundbreaking research—the largest dataset ever conducted on shared book reading—confirms that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a non-profit founded by the artist-philanthropist Dolly Parton, significantly strengthens early literacy skills for participating children. The findings mirror positive outcomes observed across five other countries and reinforce the critical role shared reading plays in the earliest years of life.

Long-standing research shows that reading supports cognitive development by strengthening language acquisition, attention, memory, and critical-thinking skills, while also fostering social-emotional growth by building empathy, emotional regulation, and an understanding of others’ perspectives through stories. Other research posits that strong early reading skills are closely linked to educational attainment, economic opportunity, and upward mobility, with children who read proficiently more likely to succeed in school, access higher-paying jobs, and experience greater social and economic stability as adults.

In Jefferson County, where early access to books can make a lasting difference in school readiness and lifelong learning, this research underscores the measurable impact of placing high-quality books directly into children’s homes—beginning at birth.

The study, authored by Dr. Claire Galea, Head of Research at United Way Australia, analyzed data from more than 86,000 caregivers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Outcomes for 18,112 caregivers participating in Imagination Library were compared with those of 37,776 caregivers whose children were not enrolled in the program. Across all countries evaluated, the study found that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is associated with stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home. The program helps close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing how often children are read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared reading.

The research also shows that the program supports positive family reading habits and traditions. Caregivers enrolled in the program were more likely to engage in meaningful reading interactions—such as talking about pictures, asking questions, and encouraging children to hold the book—creating a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports long-term learning and success. In the United States specifically, children enrolled in Imagination Library were 11 times more likely to be interested in books and 15 times more likely to actively participate during shared reading than children not in the program. Enrolled children were also nine times more likely to initiate shared reading and nearly three times more likely to demonstrate an understanding of print concepts, such as how books work.

Founded more than 30 years ago by Dolly Parton in honor of her father, who could not read or write, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 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 program mails more than three million books each month directly to children’s homes worldwide, at no cost to families.

In Jefferson County, Imagination Library is delivered locally through Fairfield Public Library, helping ensure children have access to books during the most critical years of brain development. The program is funded primarily by the Fairfield Library Foundation, which has approved full funding for the program’s first three years. While Imagination Library selects titles and negotiates publishing contracts at the national level, local partners such as the Fairfield Public Library Foundation provide the funding that makes the program possible locally.

Since launching in Jefferson County in March of 2025, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has already made a meaningful impact on young families. Two hundred forty-six children are currently enrolled in the program, receiving a free, age-appropriate book each month. To date, 502 books have been mailed to Jefferson County households, and 41 children have already graduated from the program upon reaching age five—marking an important milestone as they enter kindergarten with stronger early literacy foundations. The program is supported by local community partners who recognize the long-term value of investing in early childhood learning.

Parents and caregivers interested in enrolling their children in the Imagination Library can learn more by calling Fairfield Public Library, where staff are happy to answer questions about the program. Families who wish to sign up right away may visit the official Imagination Library website to check eligibility in Jefferson County and complete the online application. Once enrolled, families can expect the first book to arrive within 6-8 weeks. Each delivery is a small but meaningful reminder that the joy of reading begins early—and that sharing books together helps build strong, curious, and confident young readers.