United Way Australia is globally recognised for its leadership in early literacy research and proudly hosts the world’s largest database in shared book-reading. We believe that effective programs are built on strong evidence, which is why we continue to invest in rigorous national and international studies to evaluate and strengthen initiatives like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Our commitment to understanding what works and why, has driven our investment in much-needed research. Leading this work is our Head of Research, Dr Claire Galea, who completed her PhD in 2025 in partnership with Macquarie University. Her research, which began in Tamworth, NSW, focused on the outcomes of shared book-reading and the Imagination Library, and expanded into a global study across all five countries where the program is delivered: Australia, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
The research followed children in Tamworth, Australia, on the Imagination Library from birth to age three. It found they were read to more often, for longer durations, and had more books in the home than the average Australian child. Early regular reading routines were established and associated with children showing more emerging language and literacy skills. Caregivers said the greatest benefit was their child’s love of books and reading.
Looking globally, the research showed that children who participated in the Imagination Library were more likely to be interested in books, initiate shared book reading and demonstrate emerging literacy skills compared to children who did not receive books. These outcomes were consistent regardless of a child’s postcode or the country they lived in.
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. Thesis. Https://doi.org/10.25949/30123745.v1
Literacy activities and resources that a child has access to in their home.
Enjoyment of books and reading, as well as motivation to interact during shared book reading.
Skills or knowledge that a child develops before they begin to read.
Findings from the world’s largest database on the impact of shared book reading
Children in the Imagination Library are more likely to be read to 4 or more days a week compared to children not in the program.
Children in the Imagination Library are significantly more likely to be interested in books.
After receiving 10 books, children in the Imagination Library are more likely to demonstrate key emerging literacy skills.