United Way Australia has unveiled research demonstrating the transformative impact of shared reading on children’s literacy and family engagement. Conducted in collaboration with Macquarie University and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the studies revealed the benefits of early access to books for children’s emerging literacy and family connection.
The research included two parallel studies: one focused on 343 families in Tamworth, NSW, and another analysing data from over 86,000 families worldwide. Both examined the role of the Imagination Library, which gifts free books monthly to children from birth to age five.
Notable findings
The study, The Impact of Shared Book Reading on Children and Families: A Study of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tamworth, Australia, revealed that children in Tamworth read more frequently and for longer durations compared to the national average.
Claire Galea, PhD candidate at Macquarie University, led the study and highlighted its findings. “Eighty-five per cent of caregivers felt more connected to their child and reported spending more quality time together as a family as a result of receiving books. We also witnessed Tamworth City Library, which was a hub for the program, increase library enrolments and develop stronger connections between residents and early years services,” Galea said.
The research showed that frequent shared book reading enhanced children’s understanding of print, letter recognition, and vocabulary.
Globally, the program has demonstrated similar success. Children enrolled in the Imagination Library read more often and show stronger interest in books and reading compared to peers not in the program. After receiving 12 books, children were more than eight times more likely to develop an interest in reading.
Addressing Australia’s literacy crisis
The findings come as Australia grapples with concerning NAPLAN results showing one-third of students fail to meet basic literacy and numeracy benchmarks. Disparities are even greater for Indigenous and regional students.
Liz Dibbs, chair of United Way Australia, emphasised the program’s role in addressing these challenges. “The Imagination Library’s continuous monthly engagement model focuses on getting books into the hands of children regardless of geographic or socio-economic background. When children receive engaging material – and families receive consistent support – they are more likely to engage in reading regularly which in turn improves early literacy levels,” Dibbs said.
Building family and community connections
Beyond literacy, the program fosters stronger family bonds and community engagement. “It’s not just about the physical act of reading; this is powerful in itself, but it’s also about creating an environment where children feel valued and connected, and where families can thrive together,” noted Dibbs.
The studies underline the value of early intervention in addressing literacy challenges. “Our data provides compelling evidence that access to books from an early age can significantly enhance a child’s understanding of early language and literacy practices in the home,” Galea said. “This is particularly crucial in disadvantaged areas, where a lack of books in the home is a persistent issue.”
A vision for the future
United Way Australia has distributed over 1.3 million books to 43,000 children across 450 communities in Australia since the program began 11 years ago. Advocates believe continued investment in early literacy programs will yield lasting benefits for children nationwide.
“We want every Australian child, regardless of where they are born, to develop a lifelong love of reading and have access to all the opportunities for their future that come with strong literacy skills,” Dibbs said.