Scenic Regional Library, in cooperation with the 1000 Books Foundation, invites you to participate in this free program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your children before they start kindergarten.
If you read just one book a night, you will read 365 books in a year. In two years, the number will grow to 730. In the third year, you will surpass the goal at 1,095 books. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at age 5 or 6, you have more time than you think and it’s never too late to start!
Why Participate?
Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for both of you, whether you are reading books your family owns, picking them out on a visit to the library, or downloading them onto an e-reader device. Experts agree that children who learn the necessary skills early do better in school and later in life. Participating in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten can help put your child on the right track.
How does the Program Work?
- Pick out books at home or at the Library and start reading to your pre-kindergarten age child today!
- Keep track of the titles of the books you read or that a care-giver or family member might read to your child./li>
Attending storytime or participating in the Summer Reading Program at the Library also counts towards your total! You may read a book multiple times if it’s a family favorite. The book logs will make a great keepsake item for your child later on.
You can track books by:
- Registering using the mobile-friendly tracking system!
- Downloading a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Log.
- Requesting a book log at the information desk when you visit a branch.
After each 100 books read, stop by your local branch of Scenic Regional Library to pick up a sticker for that page. Commemorate your child’s achievement at each 100-book milestone!
What happens when we complete 1,000 books?
Your child will receive a color-your-own bookbag that they can decorate to proudly carry their library books. You and your child will also be featured in the library’s newsletter and social media pages. Best of all, you and your child will feel the pride of accomplishment of reaching this goal together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in this program?
Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
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.
Can I repeat books?
Yes! Repeats count.
Show us what you’re reading!
Post book photos on Facebook with the hashtag #SRL1000Books.
Want to know more about reading to your kids?
PBS – Why Reading Aloud to Kids Helps Them Thrive
Zero to Three – Read Early and Often
Parents Magazine – Age-by-age Guide to Reading to Your Baby/
American Academy of Pediatrics – Reading with Children Starting in Infancy Gives Lasting Literacy Boost
