Beyond the numbers: Social and emotional benefits of participation in the Imagination Library home-based literacy programme

Abstract

As home-based literacy programmes proliferate, stakeholders are asking for evidence that programme goals are being met and for information on what types of programming provide the best cost-to-benefit ratio. Most programmes analyse impact on learning through objective measures such as test scores and academic performance, but neglect to investigate further reaching benefits of their programmes. This qualitative study explores parent perceptions of the social and emotional benefits of participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) home-based literacy programme. Interviews with 17 families in the programme revealed four key findings: (1) multiple members of families use and benefit from the books; (2) families take great pride in building their libraries; (3) families in the DPIL programme strongly associate reading with learning and academic success; and (4) the DPIL programme helps families build traditions and routines around reading. The social and emotional benefits of receiving books through this programme go far beyond cognitive and academic impact for the enrolled child and extend to the entire family.