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1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nation-wide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to kids. If you read just one book a day with your child, you'll reach the 1000 book goal in less than three years - but we know you'll read more than that!
LCPL's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative is sponsored by the Friends of LCPL.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 1 in 3 American kids start Kindergarten without the language skills they need to learn to read. In fact, the number of words a child knows going into Kindergarten is a predictor of their academic success. Reading out loud to your kids is an easy, fun way to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in school.
1: Start counting the books you read to your child.
2: Enter the number on the ReadSquared app or website. Don't love the digital format? Stop by the library for an official paper log sheet!
3: Collect your prizes! Your child will earn a prize for every 250 books read. As you read together, you'll build up your very own at-home storytime kit!
New to ReadSquared? Start here.
Already have ReadSquared from Summer Reading? Log in here, then click Enroll near your child's name to get started in 1000 Books.
Need help? Drop us a line or visit any of our branches and we'll get you set up.
Everything! Library books, your own books, ebooks, print books - it all counts! Whatever you read together, it helps your child build pre-literacy skills.
There's also no limit on the number of times you can read and count a single book. Many kids enjoy repetition, and if they ask for the same book ten times in a row it counts each time you read it.
Education is, of course, its own reward but we have a few incentives for our young readers, too. Prizes are awarded for every 250 books read and are designed to help you build your own at-home storytime kit!
Prize 1 (250 books): Egg shaker
Prize 2 (500 books): Colorful scarf and your name on the digital signs inside each branch
Prize 3 (750 books): Rhythm stick
Prize 4 (1000 books): Free book, your name on the digital signs, and a certificate of completion!
Any questions? Feel free to ask a librarian!
