Children

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

The single most important thing you can do to prepare your children to read is to read to them every day. Research proves that children need to hear 1000 books before they begin to learn to read independently. Reading to children will:

• Increase their vocabulary,
• Increase their listening and narrative skills,
• Help to instill in them self-awareness and confidence,
• Impart an understanding of their place in the world.

How Can I Read 1000 Books? It's Easy!

One book a day for three years = 1000
Three books a day for one year = 1000
Ten books a week for two years = 1000

What Counts? Everything! Every book you read counts every time you read it. Books your child hears at Story Time count. Books that others read to your child count. It all counts!

Where Can I Sign up? When the Library is closed, you can sign up on our online calendar. When we're open, please sign up in the Children's Room. We'll give you log sheets to help you keep count of the books you read with your child, along with rewards and incentives during your journey - including a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten tote bag after you have read your first 100 books! Printable log sheets are below.

When: Register anytime from your child's birth up through entering kindergarten.

It's one of the best gifts you will ever give your child … and yourself!

Download and Print:

• Title Log (for parents) (PDF)
• Color-In Log (for kids) (PDF)
• Early Literacy Practices for Parents (PDF)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten album on Flickr.