1000 Books Before Kindergarten Update: Almost 150 Kids Have Signed Up!

Since we started in September 2012, almost 150 kids have signed up for the library's early literacy initiative program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten! Its purpose is to encourage and support the pre-reading skills of children from birth until before they start Kindergarten.  Children do not simply learn how to read after they start Kindergarten, but instead have been prepared for reading from birth.  Early literacy skills are developed by reading to children as much as possible, but also by talking to, singing with, saying rhymes, and attending library programs with them so they are curious about both learning and reading. 

The program is as simple as it sounds: read 1000 books to your child before they start Kindergarten.  There is no timeline or end date other than the child entering Kindergarten. You will be surprised at how quickly you’ll reach the 1000 books read point going at a natural pace for both you and your child.

To join the program, a parent or caregiver registers the child in the Children’s Department Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Children’s Department staff will give them all the required materials and information they need. Parents will get support from the library along the way with help choosing books to read and early literacy tips. There will be some rewards along the way for children, including a book prize at the end. For more information contact the Children’s Department at 409-643-5983.