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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.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
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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
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

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.

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

Wed, Dec 31, 11:30am - 12:10pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a special storytime, for our friends who can't always make it to midnight, featuring songs, rhymes, and crafts.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Dec 31, 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.

Sat, Jan 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Warm up to the new year with a game of Mario Party and some hot chocolate. For ages 12-18.

Cancelled
Mon, Jan 05, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville
This presentation explains sundowning - increased confusion and agitation that occurs in late afternoon/evening for people with... more
This presentation explains sundowning - increased confusion and agitation that occurs in late afternoon/evening for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.