The World’s Largest Study on Shared Reading Has Spoken — and Randolph County Families Are Part of the Story
Every month, a book arrives in the mailbox. It’s addressed to the child — by name. It’s chosen for their age and stage. And for thousands of Randolph County families, that book is one of the most anticipated arrivals of the month. A landmark international study of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has put the full weight of data behind what those families have experienced firsthand.
What the Research Found
Authored by Dr. Claire Galea, Head of Research at United Way Australia, the study collected data from more than 86,000 caregivers across five countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Australia. It is the largest dataset ever assembled on shared book reading.
- After receiving just 10 books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children were at least 4x more likely to demonstrate stronger emerging literacy skills, including vocabulary and phonological awareness.
- Children enrolled were 9x more likely to be read to four or more days per week.
- Children in the program were 9x more likely to show interest in books and 15x more likely to actively participate during shared reading.
- Caregivers showed significantly greater engagement — describing images, counting pictures, and encouraging children to hold the book.
What This Means for U.S. Families
For families in the United States, the numbers are even more remarkable. U.S. children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — including those right here in Randolph County were:
- 11x more likely to show interest in books
- 15x more likely to join in during shared reading
- 9x more likely to initiate reading themselves
- 5x more likely to show interest in reading overall
- Nearly 3x more likely to demonstrate print concepts
These are not abstract statistics. These are children in our community developing the foundation they need for school success — through the simple, joyful act of reading together.
How to Get Involved
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available free to every child in Randolph County from birth through age five. Enrollment is simple, books arrive monthly, and the impact — as this research confirms — lasts a lifetime.
- Enroll your child at https://randolphkids.org/home/families/dolly-partons-imagination-library/
- Share this post with a parent of a young child
- Contact us at 336-629-2128 with questions
Source: 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. https://doi.org/10.25949/30123745.v1