pre register now!! program starts February 1st!!
The concept is simple…
Read a book (any book) with your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child. The goal is to read 1000 books (yes you can repeat books) before your little one starts kindergarten.
The rewards are priceless…
- Reading aloud surrounds children with rich language and builds vocabulary and listening skills.
- Reading aloud models the importance of reading and shows children reading is fun!
- Reading with your child provides a great opportunity for memorable bonding moments. Reading exposes children to new experiences and helps them to empathize with others and understand the word around them.
You are your child’s first teacher. We want to encourage you to read, sing, talk, play, and write with your children every day. Starting early—before kindergarten—is key to a child’s success when they begin school. If you read just one book a night, you will read 365 books in a year. In two years, the number will grow to 730. In the third year, you will surpass the goal at 1,095 books. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at age 5 or 6, you have more time than you think and it’s never too late to start!
How to Participate
- Go to Beanstack or visit the library to register your child. You can also print out our reading logs and our tracking booklets.
- Track your child’s progress by entering each book you read on Beanstack. Your child can also color a dot on the reading log for every book you read together.
- Each time your child reads 100 books, bring the reading log to the Children’s Library. Your child will receive a pin for every 100 books read, which they can attach to their banner. They will also receive their banner when they reach their first 100 books read. Additionally, they will earn a sticker for every 10 books read and a photo for every 100 books read to add to their tracking booklet.
- At the 1000 books milestone, your child will receive a certificate marking the completion of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten! You’ll also have the opportunity to take a picture of your child with their certificate and each milestone marker!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can participate in the program?
Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. It’s never too early to begin reading with your child.
- Can I repeat the same book to my child?
Yes, you can repeat books! Every time you read a book to your child it counts. Even if your little one wants to hear a favorite book over and over and over! - Do books we hear at story time count?
Yes! Please don’t forget to include books you hear at our Story Times. - How long will the program take?
The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program allows you as the parent to set the pace and when you finish will depend on how often you read together. - How many of my children can participate?
If you have more than one child that is pre-kindergarten age, all may participate and can count books on individual logs.
Check out the official 1000 Books Before Kindergarten website 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org for a “Books You Should Hear Before Kindergarten” reading list, which can be found under “How it Works” and then “Resources”. We suggest you visit this website and take a look around.
