What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless.
Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning and entering kindergarten. Here’s how to take part in this fun Library program:
- Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant and/or toddler
- Keep track of your progress on reading logs provided by the Library (each log is 100 books)
- Reach 1000 books before your child enters Kindergarten!
Fun Facts
- If you read 1 book a night, you will read 365 books in a single year. That is 730 books in two years…and 1,095 in three years!
- Every book counts – if you read the same book 20 times, that counts as 20 books on your reading log
Prizes
- 100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading log to the Library for a book to keep and to place a leaf on our 1000 Books Tree
- 1000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at the Library and put your fingerprint on the 1000 Books Tree in any color paint of your choosing. Now you are a part of the Library forever!
FAQs
Who can participate?
Any child from birth until they enter Kindergarten.
How long will it take?
The program is self-paced and depends on how often you read together.
How many of my children can participate?
All of them, provided they have not entered Kindergarten.
Where can I get a 1000 Books Reading Log?
Pick one up from the Library or download and print one here: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Log – 100 books per sheet