The largest shared book reading study ever conducted has confirmed what St. Clair County families have experienced firsthand for more than a decade: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is making a measurable difference in the lives of young children. New international research analyzing data from more than 86,000 families across five countries found that children enrolled in the program show dramatically stronger early literacy skills and school readiness. St. Clair County children have been part of that story since 2012, with 683,554 books delivered to local homes.
Locally, St. Clair County RESA offers the Imagination Library program to families, ensuring young children have access to books during the most critical years of brain development. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five—at no cost to families.
In 2025 alone:
4,237 children enrolled in St. Clair County received books each month
50,872 books were mailed to local children
13,529 children have graduated from the program since its launch in 2012
A total of 683,554 books have been mailed to children across St. Clair County since 2012
“This program is about more than books. It’s about building strong families, supporting early literacy and learning, and creating joyful moments that spark a lifelong love of reading,” said Becky Gorinac, Director of Early Childhood Services at St. Clair County RESA. “This research reaffirms the impact we’re seeing locally.”
Research Confirms Lasting Impact
The study, authored by Dr. Claire Galea, Head of Research at United Way Australia, found that across all countries evaluated, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home—helping close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing the frequency of children being read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading.
In the United States, children enrolled in the Imagination Library are:
11 times more likely to be interested in books
15 times more likely to participate in shared reading
9 times more likely to initiate shared reading
3 times more likely to demonstrate concepts about print
The study also found that enrollment in the program builds positive family reading habits and traditions, with caregivers more likely to interact in meaningful ways and to reinforce a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports children’s learning and long-term success.
Local Families See the Difference
Survey data from St. Clair County families reflect these global findings:
74% of families say the program increased their child’s interest in reading
60% say it helped prepare their child for kindergarten
55% report spending more time reading together
“This program is amazing. I am so grateful we are able to take part in it. Exposure to new and interesting books that represent all types of children was wonderful for our daughter,” shared one local parent.
“This program is such a blessing. It was a monthly reminder that someone outside of our family cares about my child’s well-being and education,” said another parent.
A Community Partnership
The Imagination Library in St. Clair County is made possible by a partnership among St. Clair County RESA, United Way of St. Clair County, grants from the Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s Women’s Initiative and Youth Advisory Council, and generous local donors. Community support ensures that every child from birth to age five can receive a free book each month, helping build home libraries and encouraging daily reading habits that support success in school and beyond. Sustaining this impact relies on continued community support and investment in early literacy.
Get Involved
Families in St. Clair County can enroll their child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at no cost by visiting: https://www.sccresa.org/o/sccresa/page/enroll-your-child
Community members who would like to support early literacy and help ensure the program continues to reach local children can contribute to the Imagination Library Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County: https://stclairfoundation.org/fund/st-clair-county-resa-imagination-library-fund/