In 1995, Dolly Parton launched Parton’s Imagination Library, which, since then, has mailed more than 330 million free books to children age one through five. Common sense would tell us this is a good thing, but now several scientific studies have shown the program’s immense benefit.
Dolly’s program certainly had rough but fertile ground to plow, as roughly two-thirds of US children and 80% of those below the poverty threshold failed to have reading proficiency by the end of the third grade. Third grade reading proficiency predicts high school graduation and career success!
Literacy-based programs, such as Dolly Parton’s, have shown near doubling of expressive vocabulary (speaking) and a 50% gain in receptive vocabulary (listening). Even MRI scans show favorable brain structure and function in preschoolers that have had home reading. One study in Cincinnati showed a gain of 15% in literacy rates over three years in those children exposed to Dolly Parton’s Imaginary Library.
Tennessee celebrates September 25 as Dolly Parton Day (even California has a Dolly Parton Day!). While this day is certainly an honor to her, it is also a celebration of her glitter and grit, and for us all, a reminder that a book in a child’s hands is the best medicine- that is, preventive medicine.
Dr. Charlie Barnett contributes to KnoxTNToday, where he writes the weekly column DocTalk, sharing his expertise in health and wellness. He is currently in private practice, focusing on longevity and precision medicine at NovaTheros.
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