1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Step Up to the Challenge
The goal is simple. Read 1,000 books with your newborn, infant, or toddler before they enter kindergarten. Go on a reading journey with your child in order to develop their early reading skills and confidence.
Learn more about the nation wide project here.
Why read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
Reading regularly with your child is known to promote bonding and early literacy skills. Between the ages of 0-5 (before Kindergarten) parents and guardians are the main educators of their children. Reading books regularly together strengthens the quality of education that parents and guardians can provide their children. The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is an easy and fun way to make reading regularly together an easy and manageable endeavor.
The Bellefonte, Centre Hall, and Philipsburg locations of Centre County Library & Historical Museum are delighted to help parents, guardians, and children get started with the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program and to offer support throughout its duration. Upon completing the program, the library offers some rewards, including:
a framable certificate
a bookplate in commemoration of the child’s achievement
a “picture frame” magnet
Learn more about how to participate below!
How to Participate
Step 1: Sign Up
Step 2: Track Your Books
Print out our tracking sheet or pick one up at your library. Color a picture for each book you read and record your favorites! Turn it in to the library when you’re done and the library will log your progress and give you a new sheet.
STEP 3: Finish and Celebrate!
Once you’ve read 1000 books (and logged 10 sheets at the library), you’ll receive a certificate, commemorative book plate, and a magnet
Child posing with their 1000 Book Before Kindergarten completion certificate at the Holt Memorial Library.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide challenge to read 1000 books with your child before they start Kindergarten. The program is an easy way for you to prepare your child for reading and learning in school!
Can we count the same book twice?
Yes! Anytime you read a book it counts towards your 1000, even if it’s your second, third, or even 10th time reading the book. You can also count books read during library storytimes!
How old does my child need to be to participate?
Children are eligible from Birth until starting Kindergarten (usually around 5 or 6 years old).
Need Reading Ideas?
Check out some picture books recommended for reading in the challenge by the 1000 Books Foundation using our online catalog!
