Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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.Cat in a space suit riding a rocket

Why is reading with kids important?

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.

More reasons reading out loud matters

How to Join In

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 herethen 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.

What Counts?

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.

Oh yeah, don't forget the prizes!

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!

Log sheets, a 1000 books poster, and prizes including colorful scarves, egg shakers, rhythm sticks, and books

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!

Upcoming Events
Skip Upcoming Events widget
Cancelled
Mon, Dec 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Dec 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Compete in a series of fast-paced games and activities that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Mon, Dec 22, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.

Mon, Dec 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Dec 22, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The holidays are here! Whether you celebrate or not, it's hard to say no to cookies. Teens, come by to make gingerbread men from... more
The holidays are here! Whether you celebrate or not, it's hard to say no to cookies. Teens, come by to make gingerbread men from scratch! We'll decorate sugar cookies while they bake.
This event is full

Mon, Dec 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Dec 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room,Programming Room
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask... more
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". Will we solve the "Murder in the North Pole"?

Mon, Dec 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Dec 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
A monthly program featuring activities in the area of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with different activity/ theme... more
A monthly program featuring activities in the area of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with different activity/ theme each program.

Tue, Dec 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

Tue, Dec 23, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Dec 23, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Join Kathy, a Certified Laughter Leader-Expert, for this 8-week series to relieve mental and physical discomfort by laughing!

Tue, Dec 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Take a time out this fourth Tuesday from holiday planning for some calming music, word puzzles, coloring sheets, & other relaxing... more
Take a time out this fourth Tuesday from holiday planning for some calming music, word puzzles, coloring sheets, & other relaxing activities.

Tue, Dec 23, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... more
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18. 

Tue, Dec 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Fri, Dec 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

Sat, Dec 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes.... more
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes. Please register.

Mon, Dec 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

Mon, Dec 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Dec 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.
This event is full

Rescheduled
Mon, Dec 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
New date Monday, December 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

Mon, Dec 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the... more
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the Abyss campaign. Beginners and experienced players welcome!
This event is full

Tue, Dec 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Dec 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we play some winter bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more
Join us as we play some winter bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

Cancelled
Tue, Dec 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Merrillville
Celebrate the new year at our Noon Year's Eve Party! There will be stories, songs, a craft, and light refreshments. Please register so... more
Celebrate the new year at our Noon Year's Eve Party! There will be stories, songs, a craft, and light refreshments. Please register so we know how many supplies to order.

Tue, Dec 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Join Kathy, a Certified Laughter Leader-Expert, for this 8-week series to relieve mental and physical discomfort by laughing!

Tue, Dec 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Dec 30, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees