1000 Books Before Kindergarten

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It’s never too early to start reading to your child!

Reading to your baby, toddler, or preschooler can help them develop their language and listening skills, foster their imagination, and expand their understanding of the world. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a great way to get started reading with your child and prepare them for school! The 1,000 Books program is open to all children from birth until they start kindergarten.

How long does it take to read 1,000 books?

Reading 1,000 books sounds like a lot, but it’s not as many as you may think! By reading one book a day with your child, you will complete the program in less than three years. If you read two books a day with your child, you will finish the program in just over a year, and if you read three books a day with your child, you will finish the program in less than one year!

You can even count books more than once for all your child’s favorites they wish to read over and over. Books read at library, daycare, and preschool story times count, too. In addition to parents and primary caregivers, books read by relatives, siblings, daycare providers, teachers, and babysitters count.

How does the program work?

Pick up your reading log folder at the Library Information Desk and fill out a participation form. Each folder contains reading logs for books 0-500, booklists, a coloring sheet, and stickers and/or crayons to get you started on your reading journey. For every book read, color or place a sticker on one circle on the log. Audiobooks your child listens to may also count toward the program.

After reading 500 books, return to the library for your child to receive their free book for reaching the half-way point, and you’ll receive the logging pages for the next 500 books. After reading 1000 books, return to the library for your children to receive their free book and tote for completion! An announcement over the intercom will be made of your child's accomplishment.