1000 Books Before Kindergarten

The York County Public Library is pleased to offer 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, an easy, fun and free program that puts children on the path to reading success. The program encourages families and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their children. By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1000-book goal in three years and provide their children essential early literacy skills.

How does it work?

Stop by the Youth Services desk at the Library to pick up your registration packet. Read to your child and record the books on the log provided. Come in at every increment of 100 books to receive a sticker and move your child’s name on the display. Prizes are given when 500 and 1000 books are read.

FAQs

Who can participate?
Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten can participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

How long will it take to complete the program?
The program is self-paced and will take anywhere from several months to a few years. If you read just one book a day to your child, that's 365 books in a year, 730 books in two years, and 1095 books in three years. If you read three books a day to your child, that's 1095 books in just one year. You set the pace.

Can we only count library books?
The books don't have to be library books. You can read books from anywhere.

What if my child wants to read the same book over and over?
No problem. Repetition is key to learning. Write down the title every time you read it to your child. 

Can we count ebooks with read-along narration and audiobooks?
As long as your child listens to the entire story, you can count it. Check out TumbleBookLibrary for some quality, narrated stories for your child.