Arkansas Imagination Library is proud to share the results of its first statewide Parent/Guardian Survey, which highlights the powerful impact Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is making in homes across Arkansas.
In February 2026, Arkansas Imagination Library received 5,924 responses from Arkansas parents, guardians, and caregivers with children currently enrolled in the program. The anonymous survey was designed to gather meaningful feedback about how regular access to books is supporting children and families across the state.
The results show that the program is helping families build stronger reading habits at home and encouraging a love of books from an early age. According to the survey:
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77.6% of respondents said they read more often at home since receiving Imagination Library books
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78.1% said their child is more interested in books and reading
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73.1% said their confidence in reading with their child has increased
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95.2% rated the quality and diversity of the books as good or excellent
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12.3% said their child had no age-appropriate books at home before enrolling
Parents also reported positive developmental changes in their children, including increased interest in books, increased vocabulary, improved listening skills, and longer attention spans.
These findings reinforce what local program partners, parents, and caregivers across Arkansas see every day: access to high-quality books helps children build early literacy skills, strengthens family engagement, and supports school readiness.
We are grateful to every parent, guardian, and caregiver who took time to complete the survey and share their experiences. Their feedback helps Arkansas Imagination Library better understand program impact, strengthen grant applications, and advocate for expanded access to books for young children statewide.
Read the full 2026 Arkansas Parent Survey Report here:
