1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide early literacy initiative that encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud to their children—aiming to share 1,000 books together before the child starts kindergarten.  Designed for newborns through preschoolers, this program builds vocabulary, strengthens family bonds, and lays the foundation for strong reading skills. Families can sign up for free, track their reading progress, and celebrate milestones along the way with fun incentives and recognition.  It a joyful and rewarding journey that helps instill a lifelong love of books—one story at a time.

Visit the children’s department and pick up materials to begin this amazing program!

Reading aloud is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.  And in today’s overstimulated, under-listened world, it’s kind of a miracle.  –Jim Trelease