Did you know? Reading aloud to your child is the best way to prepare them for reading and writing success in school. The time before a child enters kindergarten is crucial for language and brain development, as well as for fostering a lifelong love of reading.

1000 Books for Kindergarten is a free program that encourages you to read one thousand books with your child before he or she begins kindergarten. It’s easy, fun, and a great way to bond with your young child.
Questions? Email Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyardlibrary.org

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW

The Program

The concept is simple, but the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, or toddler. The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books!) before your child starts kindergarten.

Sound hard? Not really if you think about it: If you read just 1 book a night, you will have 365 books in one year–that’s 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at five, you have more time than you think!

How To Participate

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced program that has no end date except your child starting school. You decide how often and how long you read. The key is perseverance! Celebrate milestones with us at the library as you make progress, and above all, read and enjoy with your child.

Visit Us

Stop by the Children’s Room at Bill Library or Gales Ferry Library to pick up your welcome packet starting September 26, 2020. You can begin now by printing the first reading log (found below) or downloading the free READSquared App for iPhone or Android.

Log the Books You Read

Log the books you read with your child on the log sheet in your welcome packet or an the app. You can log any book read to your child–that includes books read by siblings, teachers, and librarians, as well as re-reads of favorite stories.

Bring in Your Log at Every 100 Book Milestone

At every 100 book milestone, bring your log in to the library. We will celebrate your child’s success and hand out a milestone sticker and a log sheet for the next one hundred books. And, with your permission we will share their journey on our social media pages.
Note: The best day to find Mrs. Burt at Bill Library is Mondays and the best day to find her at Gales Ferry Library is Tuesday. If you would like to make an appointment to ensure she will be available please email her at sburt@ledyardlibrary.org

When you reach 1,000 books, your child will receive a certificate of achievement, a book, a sticker, and a book bag!