1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge is a national initiative designed to encourage parents to read with their children before beginning Kindergarten. This exposure to reading and early literacy helps babies, toddlers, and preschoolers develop the skills that they will need to be successful in school. Additionally, it promotes a lifelong love for books and provides a chance for you to bond with your child in a unique way.

How Our Program Works

Sign up your child for the challenge at the Youth Services Desk on the second floor to receive your initial reading log.  With this log, you will record the number of books that you read with your child.

Each time that you and your child finish both sides of one log sheet (100 books), you will return to the Youth Services Desk and receive a new log, a milestone sticker, and a prize sticker.  Your child will use their milestone stickers to track their progress on a paper train car on our window display along with all of the other children participating in the program.  The prize sticker is for your child to keep!

After completing 1,000 books, your child will receive a book of their choice, their completed train car, and a certificate commemorating their accomplishment. (Note: Children who are beginning the program at ages four or five need only to read 300 books to qualify for the ending prize).

Start Reading!

There are many ways that you and your child can reach the goal of 1,000 books.  Although it may seem daunting at first, it comes out to about three readings per day for three years. Books that you read at home, hear with your child at storytime, or that they may hear in preschool all count toward your goal.  Additionally, repeat readings of favorite books and partial readings of books count as well.

If you’re looking for suggestions for books to read, the Youth Services Department provides a number of reading lists sorted by topic.  These can be found on our website or in the Youth Services Department.

Reading Rockets, a website devoted to providing resources for early literacy, has Reading Tips for Parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The website also includes other reading tips, including ones for parents of children with disabilities and ones that are available in different languages.

If you’re looking for even more books and more ways for you to engage with your child in this very crucial stage of his or her learning, please ask a librarian at the Youth Services Desk on the second floor.  We are always available to help!