Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Impact Report 2021
An in-depth look at the correlation between Imagination Library enrollment, family reading habits, and kindergarten readiness.
This report, prepared by The Center for Community Solutions, highlights the transformational and measurable impacts of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) on family reading habits and kindergarten readiness. It includes an analysis done by Case Western Reserve University and the results of a recent survey sent to families enrolled in the program.
Summary of the Results
The Case Western Reserve University analysis has shown:
- A positive correlation between enrollment in DPIL and a child’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) score
- The longer a child is enrolled in DPIL, the higher their KRA score
- These differences cannot be directly attributed to DPIL without statistical controls. An impact study is forthcoming.
Furthermore, in a 2021 survey sent to families participating in DPIL, the majority of families report:
- Reading to their child/children more often since receiving DPIL books
- Their child is asking to be read to more often since receiving DPIL books
- Feeling DPIL is better preparing their child for kindergarten
- Their child using new words they learned in DPIL books more often
- Appreciating the uniqueness, variety, and diversity of characters in DPIL books
The survey results showed an even greater positive impact in zip codes with higher rates of poverty.
These findings are consistent with other studies conducted around the nation. Here, in Cuyahoga County, we see the importance of this program and the true impact it is having on our community.
