Participation in the Imagination Library Book Distribution Program and its Relations to Children’s Language and Literacy Outcomes in Kindergarten

Abstract

Relations between participation in Imagination Library, a book distribution program that serves children from birth through age 5, and children’s literacy outcomes in kindergarten were examined. Children (n = 2,428) who participated in the program had greater letter knowledge and higher scores on measures of phonological awareness when compared to children whose families did not participate in Imagination Library (n = 3,348), although effects were small in size. No differences in spelling performance were observed. Parents also reported profiting from and enjoying the program. Imagination Library may a beneficial form of early intervention, particularly given its low cost for implementation.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Chelsea Samples-Steele for her comments on this work.