1000 books before Kindergarten

The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless.  Read a book to your newborn, infant and/or toddler.  The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten.  In as little as 15 minutes a day, families can build the skills for future school and life success.

How to get started:

  1. Pick up an 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten introduction packet at the library's front desk or start the program on your own.
  2. Upon completing your first 100 books you will receive a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten book bag. Show a librarian your reading log to get your bag.
  3. Come back every time you have completed 100 books to receive a sticker and your next book log. Remember you can also print the logs from home.
  4. When you reach the 1,000th book goal, a staff member will take your picture to display at USCL’s Reading Hall of Fame to show the achievement you and your child have accomplished.  Your child will also receive a certificate with their picture on it. 

The reading log pages can be picked up at the library or downloaded here: 1-100, 101-200, 201-300, 301-400, 401-500, 501-600, 601-700, 701-800, 801-900, 901-1000.

Older siblings reading to children participating in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten will also receive a small prize.  Write you name beside the title every time you read a book to a younger child.  Twenty-five books earns you a prize.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can participate? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program.
  • Do I have to read books from the library? You can read books from anywhere, not just library books.
  • Can I log the books my child hears at story time? Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.  Our story times are: Tiny Tots (birth to age 3) Mondays 10 to 10:30, Tuesdays 5:30 to 6 and Wednesdays 11 to 11:30   Preschool Story Times (ages 3 to 6) Mondays 11:00 to 11:30.
  • How long will the program take? The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together.

 

Time to Think:

  • If you read one story at bedtime every night for three years you’ll have shared 1,095 books.
  • If you read ten books a week for two years, you’ll have shared 1,040 books!
  • Reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding.
  • Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for both of you.