1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national program that was started to help parents and/or caregivers prepare their children for kindergarten by reading together.
How to participate
Read books (any books) to your newborn, infant, toddler, and/or preschooler. The program is self-paced and can take a few months to a few years. The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child begins kindergarten, and yes, you can repeat books!
Should I participate?
YES! Reading helps create a bond with your baby and promotes early literacy. Reading has been identified as an early indicator of academic success with a direct link between how many words a baby hears each day to their language skills. It also builds intimacy and life-long memories between parents/caregivers and a child.
How long does it take?
If you read just one story every day, you will have read 365 books in a year. In three years you will exceed the challenge, having read 1,095 books! Don’t forget, reading the same book over again counts!
How do I sign up?
Visit the Children’s Department and sign up anytime; the program is ongoing. For every 100 books read the parent and child can come into the library to receive a sticker of achievement and see their accomplishment on our all star wall. When the child has read 1,000 books they will receive a special gift, certificate of success and become an "all star" reader on our wall.