1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

 

What is “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten”?

The concept is simple: read books to your newborn, infant, or toddler. The goal is to read 1,000 books to the child before they enter kindergarten. 1000 books might sound like a lot, but consider that reading one book a night will net 365 books in a year, 730 books in two years, and 1095 books in three years.  Every time you read a book counts! The objectives of this program are to promote reading to young children and to encourage parent/child bonding through reading.

Sign your child up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at the Youth Desk of the Wayne Public Library!

a woman and toddler sitting on the floor reading a picture book together
 

How the program works:

  1. Sign up at the Wayne Public Library and get your welcome packet and first tracking sheet.

  2. Start reading to your child. Use your tracking sheet to record each book read. Re-reads count!

  3. After each 100 books read, bring your tracking sheet to the library to receive a special reward.

  4. When you have read 1000 books with your child, return to the library for a special prize and photo opportunity.

  5. Most importantly, don’t stop reading! Keep reading for the fun of it and to enjoy the time with your child!

Benefits for children and families:

  • Develops early literacy skills: Reading out loud helps children with letter recognition, vocabulary building, and language comprehension.

  • Supports brain development: Being read to stimulates a young child's brain and improves their ability to learn language.

  • Encourages a love of reading: Making reading a regular and enjoyable activity helps foster a lifelong appreciation for books.

  • Builds a strong foundation for school:  Children who participate in programs like “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” are better prepared for the academic demands of kindergarten and beyond. 

  • Strengthens family bonds

  • Provides a simple, manageable goal

  • Encourages community and engagement

  • Empowers parents as first teachers

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Who can participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program?
    Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten can participate.

  • How long will the program take?
    The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together.

  • How many of my children can participate?
    All of them (provided they have not yet started kindergarten). Make it even more fun and read as a family!

  • Are we limited to only reading books from the library?
    No, you can read any books you want! Just remember to track them on your tracking sheet.

  • Can I count a book more than once?
    Yes! Record the book on the tracking sheet as many times as you read it. Repetition is very good for babies and toddlers!