Largest-Ever Shared Book Reading Study Finds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Dramatically Improves Early Literacy for Children in Montana
New groundbreaking research[1] - the largest dataset ever conducted on shared book reading - reaffirms that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library significantly strengthens early literacy skills for children in Montana, across the United States, and in four other participating 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 3 million books each month directly to children’s homes. Every enrolled child receives one book per month from birth to age five—at no cost to families.
In Montana, Imagination Library is delivered locally through Imagination Library of Montana, helping ensure children have access to books during the most critical years of brain development.
In 2023, the program expanded statewide through the efforts of First Lady Susan Gianforte as part of her early literacy initiative, making the program available to all Montana children under age five. Today, more than 29,000 children—about one in two eligible Montana children—are enrolled. Learn more at montanaimaginationlibrary.org.
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.
United States
● 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.
Imagination Library in Montana
● Statewide program launch year: 2023
● Montana children currently enrolled: 29, 326
● Books gifted in Montana since 2023: 783,410
● 58 local program partners, including libraries and United Ways, across Montana are connecting families with this impactful program.
“This research reaffirms what we already knew to be true- this program is good for children and families,” said First Lady Susan Gianforte. “The Imagination Library is inspiring a love of reading in young children, encouraging families to read aloud together, and preparing children to be ready to read and ready to learn when they enter kindergarten.”
Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 to honor her father, the Imagination Library continues to deliver measurable, international impact by putting books directly into children’s homes.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, having gifted more than 300 million books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. The program is funded through a partnership between The Dollywood Foundation and hundreds of local community partners. Visit imaginationlibrary.com for more information.
[1] *Galea, Claire Melanie Anita (2025). The Impact of shared book reading on children and their Families: insights from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Macquarie University.