1000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early literacy program which encourages families with children ages 0 to 5 to read to their children every day. The concept is simple and the rewards are priceless!
If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three! If you consider that most children start Kindergarten at around 5 years old, you have more time than you think–so get started!
How to Participate
To sign up your child for our 1000 Books program, you can do so in person or print out an application and return it to the Youth Services desk on the upper level of the library. You will need a CHPL library card to register. Upon registration, you’ll receive a special bag including a reading log and early literacy information.
Anytime your child listens to a whole story, it counts. This includes library books, books from home, books read at story time, and digital books. Make sure to record every time you and your child finish a book by coloring your reading log sheet!
Each time you complete 100 books, bring your log sheet to the Youth Services desk at the library. When you finish your first 100 books, we will celebrate by creating a bookworm with your child’s photo and name to add to our 1000 Books display in the Picture Book section! Every time you finish 100 books, your child will earn another sticker and get to move their bookworm up on the display.
Once your child has completed 1000 books, they will receive a certificate of completion, have their photo added the Wall of Fame, and receive an invitation to our annual Graduation Pizza Party!
Remember: Just READ with your child and ENJOY!
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the Library
Regular visits to the library foster a love of reading by exposing your children to a variety of books. By participating in library programs, your child will learn that reading and books are fun. Also, librarians are experts and can help you find great books to read aloud together! Visit our events calendar to register for all of our children’s programs and also subscribe to our Children’s YouTube Channel for virtual story times with your favorite librarians.
Download
Contact
For more information, visit us upstairs at the Youth Services Desk or give us a call at (856) 903-1229.