1000 Books

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Children typically start learning to read in Kindergarten, but a love of reading can start much earlier than that! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national initiative to encourage reading to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is also a great bonding opportunity for a caregiver and child.

The steps are simple
01
Pick up a reading log at your local library or print one from our website.
02
Read, read, read!! After you complete a book, have your child color in one circle on the reading log.
03
When the log is full, bring it to your local library branch for a special prize.

Earn cool prizes at each milestone!Ripple the Otter reading his favorite book.

100 Books: A cool temporary tattoo
500 Books: Free book!
1000 Books: Tote bag and completion certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are eligible?

Any books read to a child can be counted, including books read on repeat! Books read during storytime also count.

What books should I read to my child?

Check out our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten booklists for inspiration.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any child between 0-6 not yet enrolled in Kindergarten.

Latest from the Blog


Storytime at Home: Hispanic Heritage Month

book-reviews
childrens

Welcome to the Storytime at Home series! Every other week, we share a list of book options tied to a kid-approved theme, a craft you can set up to go […]...

September Book Chat with Youth Services Team

book-reviews
childrens
reading-recommendations

Welcome to another installment in our series of blog posts featuring children’s books we’re currently loving! “Book Chat with the Youth Services Team” features one book recommendation from each of […]...

Celebrate Grandparents' Day With RPL

childrens

Grandparents' Day celebrates the love between grandparents and grandchildren. This year, it occurs on Sunday, September 8, 2024. There's no better way to celebrate such a holiday than by cozying up with a few good books and bonding through a love of stories!...