1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Did you know? Reading aloud to your child is the best way to prepare them for reading and writing success in school. The time before a child enters kindergarten is crucial for language and brain development, as well as for fostering a lifelong love of reading. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program that encourages you to read one thousand books with your child before he or she begins kindergarten. It's easy, fun, and a great way to bond with your young child.

The Program

The concept is simple, but the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, or toddler. The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books!) before your child starts kindergarten. Sound hard? Not really if you think about it. If you read just one book a night, you will have read 365 books in one year--that's 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around five, you have more time than you think, so get started!

How to Participate

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced program and has no end date except your child's going to school. You decide how often and how long you read. The key is perseverance! Celebrate milestones with us at the library as you make progress, and above all, read and enjoy with your child!

Get Started

1. Download the Reader Zone app (iPhone / Android) on your mobile device or register on the website. Use program code: 23faa
2. Log the books you read with your child on the app. You can log any book read to your child-that includes books read by siblings, teachers, and librarians, as well as re-reads of favorite stories. If you need help finding books, check out our 1000 Books themed backpacks in the Youth Service department.
3. At every 100 book milestone, come in to the library. We will celebrate your child's success and hand out a milestone Brag Tag. Try to collect them all!
4. When you reach 1,000 books, your child will receive a certificate of achievement.