1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Calling all caregivers and little readers! Can you and your child read 1,000 books before the first day of kindergarten? Plano Public Library participates in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which encourages caregivers to read 1,000 books (or more) with their child before their first day of school. You can learn more about the program on its website. Keep reading to learn more about this program in action at our libraries. 

Who can participate? 

This program is open to every baby, toddler, or preschooler who has not started kindergarten. Any caregiver or adult who reads with the child can add a book to their log. Participating in this program will help instill a love of reading in your child, reinforce bonding and boost your child’s readiness to read independently. 

How long will it take? 

How long it takes depends on how many books that you read together. And yes, reading the same title more than once counts, too! If you read just one book each night, you would read 365 books in a year. That means you would reach your goal in just under three years. If you read more than that, you’ll likely make your goal sooner than you think. Since most children don’t start kindergarten until age 5, you have lots of time to read together. 

How does it work? 

Stop by your local library to pick up a reading log and bookmark. If you prefer a digital format, you can also download the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app for iOS or Android. Each log has 100 circles to represent 100 books. As you read a book together, color the circle or add a small sticker to mark your progress. 

When your log is full, return to the library and get another. You can get a milestone sticker for each 100 books you read and take a picture with our milestone signs to share your progress with friends and family. 

Keep reading until you have completed ten logs (1,000 books). At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate and a final 1,000 books sticker. Celebrate your accomplishment – you are well on the way to raising a lifelong reader. 

How can I get to 1,000 books? 

Make it fun and exciting to read together! The key is to establish a habit that works for your family and celebrate each milestone along the way. Here are some tips adding books to your log: 

• Come to storytime! Each book that we share in storytime can count toward your reading goal. 
• Count everyone who reads with your child! Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, teachers, and friends can all help contribute to your reading goal. 
• Read your favorite stories again and again. It’s okay to re-read titles as you work toward your goal. Repetition is an important part of your child’s learning. 
• Read books that interest and engage your child. Choose books that match your child’s personality or interests. If you need help finding your next book, check out some of the book recommendations here on the blog or talk to staff during your next library visit. 
• Establish a reading routine. Whether you attend storytime regularly, share a book before bedtime, or have reading time every afternoon, establishing a routine that works for your family helps make reading a consistent, loved practice in your home. 

Happy reading!