United Way Australia has expressed deep condolences following the passing of country music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton, while noting the important impact of her Imagination Library program.
Groundbreaking global research reveals the program – which delivers one book per month to children from birth to five years – is helping reshape early childhood literacy. Children enrolled in the Imagination Library are nine times more likely to be read to four or more days a week, and at least four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emerging literacy skills after receiving just 10 books.
“Like millions of people around the world, we are feeling a deep sadness at the loss of Dolly Parton,” CEO of United Way Australia, Dr Lyndsey McKee said.
“We also feel enormous gratitude for the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind – a vision where every child owns books of their own. And as Book Week comes to a close, it’s a powerful reminder of how joyful reading is”.
“Thanks to the Imagination Library, more than 2.5 million books have been delivered to almost 155,000 young people across Australia since 2013, with around 50,000 children currently enrolled in the program.”
The early developmental impact of children having books of their own has been analysed in a three-year longitudinal study of 89 families in Tamworth, NSW – where 98 per cent of local newborns are enrolled in the program – alongside a global dataset of more than 86,000 caregivers.
The research found shared book reading significantly improves early literacy and developmental outcomes.
Key global findings of the recently completed 2022-2025 study (led by United Way Australia’s Head of Research Dr Claire Galea in partnership with Macquarie University and the Dollywood Foundation) include:
Fostering a love of reading: Children in the program are nine times more likely to show an interest in books and 15 times more likely to actively interact during shared book reading.
Inspiring daily habits: Children are nine times more likely to be read to four or more days a week, and 10 times more likely to initiate reading time with their caregivers.
Accelerated literacy skills: Enrolled children are at least four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emerging literacy skills – including receptive and expressive vocabulary – after receiving just 10 books.
Stronger family bonds: Families in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities enrolled in the program were more likely to spend quality time reading together as a family.
With one in three Australian children failing to meet Year 3 reading benchmarks, the Imagination Library is a vital, proven and cost-effective early learning initiative.
It costs around $100 to deliver 12 books to a child’s home. Independent modelling commissioned by United Way Australia found that the $100 investment returns $990 in long-term benefits to government and society.
“Behind the joy of the Imagination Library program is a growing body of evidence about its life changing impact on children, families and communities,” Dr McKee said.
“We look forward to honouring Dolly’s legacy through this important program.”
