Welcome to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten! This program encourages caregivers and their children to read 1,000 books before the child enters kindergarten, thereby giving the child a jumpstart in their educational journey.
Each 100 books you read, you can visit any Library location to pick out a free book for your home library! When children reach 1,000 books, they get a free backpack and kindergarten supply kit! If you’re not comfortable coming into the library yet, don’t worry: you can wait and redeem multiple prizes at once.
Remember, if you have not yet registered, there are two ways to participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten:
- You can visit a Library location to receive a paper log. Ask to sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at the desk and receive a booklet to keep track of all the books your child reads.
- Or sign up online at Beanstack, opens a new window, the Library’s online reading platform. Just create an account and log books as your child completes them. You can even download the Beanstack app to log books by scanning their barcode with your phone!
Each quarter, we will be releasing a blog post to provide updates on the program, information on Library events, literacy tips, and book recommendations for both caregivers and children.
Book Recommendations
For kids:
September 15-October 15 of every year is Hispanic American Heritage Month. Check out these two books to see some of the best children’s literature has to offer to help celebrate this important month. Both are also prizes you can bring home for reading 100 books!
Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love On his way home with his abuela on the subway, Julián is captivated by women dressed as spectacular mermaids. Julián crafts his own mermaid costume, but worries about his abuela’s reaction. In a book about identities of all kinds, Julián figures out he’s perfect any way he chooses to be.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales An autobiographical story about Yuyi and her son, Kelly, who arrive in the United States from Mexico feeling overwhelmed by the differences between the two countries. As Yuyi and Kelly struggle to adjust, they are introduced to their public library, where books offer a respite from the culture shock. Immediately, both mother and son are taken with the library and its ability to cater to all those who need it.
For caregivers:
You may find that as you're teaching your child to read that you need some resources as well! Here is a great book that will help you raise a lifelong, confident reader.
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections With your Kids by Sarah Mackenzie
Connecting deeply with our kids can be difficult in our busy, technology-driven lives. Reading aloud offers us a chance to be fully present with our children. It also increases our kids' academic success, inspires compassion, and fortifies them with the inner strength they need to face life's challenges. As Sarah Mackenzie has found with her own six children, reading aloud long after kids are able to read to themselves can deepen relationships in a powerful way. Founder of the immensely popular Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Sarah knows first-hand how reading can change a child's life. In The Read-Aloud Family, she offers the inspiration and age-appropriate book lists you need to start a read-aloud movement in your own home. From a toddler's wonder to a teenager's resistance, Sarah details practical strategies to make reading aloud a meaningful family ritual. Reading aloud not only has the power to change a family-it has the power to change the world.
LITERACY TIP
It’s important to be a reading role model! If you’re going somewhere, pack books for yourself and your child to read on downtimes. When you visit the library, make sure you pick out something for yourself as well and also be sure to share your reading interests with your children as they get older. Chances are, they will be interested in something if you are!
LIBRARY UPDATE
Virtual programming is in full-swing at SLPL! Live programs vary from month to month and can include crafts, trivia, music, and more! Check our calendar , opens a new windowfor upcoming events. We also offer new recorded Storytimes, opens a new window every single week:
Stop by your local library to pick up a Take and Make kit, opens a new window! Every month, there will be a kit with a craft to take home and complete.
Until next time, keep reading!
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