"Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More": The Imagination Library's Influence on Storybook Reading

• In Event: 42.083 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 42.083-18 - Literacies Across Families, Schools, and Communities

Abstract

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) provides free books to children from birth to age five through the support of generous community partners. This study examined early literacy skills and strategies possessed by children who participated or did not participate in DPIL as well as perceptions of parents/caregivers about the early literacy within one large, diverse Pennsylvania county. This study utilized a mixed methods study approach and subsequent analyses. The findings demonstrated a significant impact in the participating DPIL children’s letter knowledge and concepts about print upon kindergarten entry as well as positive parent/caregiver perceptions on storybook reading. This study further supports previous research on Imagination Library and the importance of storybook reading within the home.

Author

• Chad H. Waldron, University of Michigan - Flint