New International Study Highlights the Success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Strengthening Early Literacy Skills for Ohio Children
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been proven to significantly increase early literacy skills and family reading habits, according to a groundbreaking international study involving over 86,000 caregivers. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine highlighted these findings on Read Across America Day, noting that the program’s expansion across the state—including regions like Nordonia Hills and Northeast Ohio—is a vital investment in preparing children for kindergarten.
New Research Confirms the Success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The study, led by researcher Dr. Claire Galea and published by the Dollywood Foundation, represents the largest shared book reading analysis ever conducted. It surveyed participants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. The data reveals that children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are 15 times more likely to actively engage in reading compared to those not in the program. Furthermore, children receiving these books are nine times more likely to be read to four or more days per week, establishing a consistent foundation for educational growth.
Measurable Gains in Early Childhood Literacy
The impact of the program becomes evident remarkably quickly. After receiving just 10 books, children in the program are four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emergent literacy skills. Specific data points from the study include:
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Vocabulary: Enrolled children are 6x more likely to have a stronger vocabulary.
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Phonological Awareness: Participants are 7x more likely to show advanced phonological awareness.
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Readiness: Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine noted that these children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed academically.
Ohio Leads the Nation in Program Enrollment
Ohio currently maintains the largest statewide program in the United States. This month alone, a record 418,924 Ohio children will receive a free, age-appropriate book in the mail. Since First Lady DeWine established the Ohio chapter in 2019 in partnership with The Dollywood Foundation, more than 25 million books have been gifted to over one million children across the state.
Innovative Registration Through Ohio Hospitals
A recent initiative has further accelerated growth by allowing parents to sign up newborns as part of their birth certificate paperwork. This program has already resulted in more than 37,000 newborns enrolling, ensuring they are eligible to receive the full collection of 60 books offered by the library from birth to age 5. Governor Mike DeWine credited the Ohio legislature and local partners in every county for the sustained financial support that makes these milestones possible.
For additional information on the international research study, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.
To sign up a child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, please visit ohioimaginationlibrary.