1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national initiative that encourages parents to read with their children before starting Kindergarten. Reading to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers helps them develop important skills they’ll need for school. Additionally, it promotes a lifelong love for books and provides a chance for you to bond with your child in a unique way.

How Our Program Works

Sign up your child for the challenge to receive your initial reading log. Record the number of books that you read with your child on this log.

Each time that you and your child finishes a level (100 books), return it to the Front Desk and receive a new log. Your child will use their character to track their progress on our Hungry Caterpillar wall with all of the other children participating in the program.

After reading 1,000 books, your child will receive a book of their choice, and a certificate commemorating their accomplishment. They will get to color a butterfly and hang it on our wall of accomplishments. (Note: Children who begin the program at ages four or five need only to read 300 books to qualify for the ending prize).

Start Reading!

There are many ways that you and your child can reach the goal of 1,000 books. Although it may seem daunting at first, it comes out to about three readings per day for three years. Books that you read at home, hear with your child at storytime, or that they hear in preschool count toward your goal. Repeat readings of favorite books and partial readings of books count as well.