1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

The Concept is Simple, The Rewards are Priceless

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an ongoing library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books (any book) to their infant, toddler and/or preschooler before entering kindergarten.

Does it sound hard? It isn’t! If you read just one book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think.

Research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter Kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Most importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading. It is also a great way for children and their caregivers to bond!

LET’S GET STARTED!

Who Can Participate? Any child, ages 0-5 can participate. They don’t have to be Berlin residents.

Get Started: Visit the library to register and receive your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Bag. It contains your first Reading Log, booklists, coloring sheets, a bookmark, and more to get you started! If you need more Reading Logs you can Download them here: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Log. We’ll put a paper vehicle of their choice on our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten wall and move it along as they reach milestones!

Every Book Counts: New books, books read multiple times, books read at a library program or daycare. All books count!

Track Your Reading: Each time you read a book with your child, record it in the Reading Log. You don’t have to write in titles (unless you want to) – just color in the circles!

Show Us Your Reading Log: Each time you and your child finish reading 100 books together, visit the library to collect a reward (e.g., a Rubber Ducky, a chain and Brag Tag, a colorful scarf, a tote bag, a bath toy, and more). Read 1000 books and earn a free book!

Keep On Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000 books. Keep on reading together. There’s more learning ahead! If you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than three years. Ask a librarian for book suggestions to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.

Questions?

Visit the Children’s Department or call us at 860-828-7127.