Programs & Services > Children’s Department > 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early literacy program offered by the Library to promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers. Designed for children from birth to age five, this program helps children develop the tools they need to become proficient readers and encourages parent and child bonding through the activity of reading together. The goal is to read 1000 books with your child before the child reaches kindergarten age. With the support of this program, we hope that you and your child will develop a love of reading, an appreciation for the library, and discover the joy in reading together.

Getting Started

Who can participate? Any child from birth until they register for kindergarten. You may join at any time during this period. 

How does the program work?

• Visit the Children’s Department or the front desk to register your child and receive a copy of the first reading log in which you will be able to keep track of your progress as you and your child read together. You can also download and print the first reading log from this page. If you do not have a library card, please visit our front desk.

• For every book you read (yes, repeats count!), your child can color in a paw print on the coloring sheet. Logging book titles is optional; if you are interested, you can record books on your own by writing them down or typing them in a list.

• Once you have finished a log, take it to your library and receive a free book and your next log. You can also download the next reading logs on our website.

• The library will provide a free book at each level! You may visit the Main Library or the Hanover Branch to turn in logs and collect book prizes. When your little one completes the program, he or she will also receive a coupon for a special treat. We want to celebrate your child reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Reading Books

Which books count? Books that you, a preschool teacher, a caregiver, and/or family member read to your child count towards your goal. Books read during story time at the library also count toward your reading goal. You may count audiobooks, eBooks, and/or iPad apps that read or tell a story.

What if my child wants to read the same book over and over again? Repetition is one of the keys to learning to read, so each repetition counts toward your goal. If you read the same book three times, that counts as three books toward your goal.

How long will it take to reach the goal? This program is designed to be completed at your own pace. But consider this: if you read just three books a day with your child, in just one year you will have read 1,095 books together!

Do you need reading suggestions? Ask our Children’s Librarian or one of our Children’s Assistants.

Download Reading Logs

Download and print the reading logs here.