1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Set your child on a path to literacy!

Avon Grove Library is proud to present the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten early literacy challenge. This nationwide program encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten. It is a wonderful opportunity to get your child ready for school, foster a lifelong love of reading, and spend important bonding time together!

How Does the Program Work?

1. Visit Avon Grove Library and Sign Up

You can sign up for the program at the circulation desk, and you will receive your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten folder. This folder will include your first reading log, a book list featuring some of the great children’s books available at the library, an informational pamphlet about our early literacy programs, and a monthly calendar that includes programs to supplement your child’s early learning experiences. Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten can participate in the program.


2. Start Reading and Track Your Progress

No need to wait, begin reading with your child right away! You can read any book, whether it’s a book that you own or one of our many books available at the library. Keep your reading log at the ready because each time you finish reading a book you can color in a circle to track your progress. You can color in one circle for every book read. Every book counts, even repeats!


3. Reach Reading Milestones

When you have colored in all the circles on a log sheet, give yourself and your child a round of applause. You’ve read another 100 books and are one step closer to your goal! Bring your completed reading log to the library to receive a celebratory sticker and pick up your next log.

 

4. Reach the Goal

Your ultimate goal is to read 1,000 books together with your child before they start kindergarten. This is a self-paced program, so there’s no rush. Enjoy the exciting journey to this accomplishment!


5. Celebrate Your Child's Success

When your child completes the program, visit the library to celebrate their achievement and commemorate their reading journey. Your child will receive a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten t-shirt and completion certificate. They will also be invited to attend an exciting graduation party!

ALL IT TAKES IS ONE BOOK A DAY!

1 Book x 365 Days = 365 Books a Year

365 Books x 3 Years = 1,095 Books

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can sign up?
  • Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten can participate in the program.


 

  • Do I need a library card to participate?
  • No, a Chester County Library System card is not required to participate. However, having a library card can help you access books to read for free!


  • Can I read any book, or just the books on the library booklist?
  • You can read any book for this early literacy challenge. Our library booklist is a great place to start but reading any book counts!


  • Can I count the same book more than once?
  • Yes! You may count the same title as many times as your child wants to read it. Repetition is important to learning, but we also encourage you to read a wide variety of books to increase your child’s exposure to different vocabulary and concepts.


  • Can I count books that others read to my child, such as in storytime?
  • Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program. Our storytimes and early literacy programs are great opportunities to have fun reading and continue working towards your goal of 1,000 books!


  • Do I have to log the titles of books?
  • No, the provided reading logs only require you to color in a circle for each book you read with your child. If you’d like to keep track of every title, or maybe just your child’s favorite titles, we recommend starting a reading journal.


  • How long will the program take?
  • This program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. It is a self paced program and will depend on how often you and your child read together.


  • When can we sign up?
  • Anytime! This is a year-round program.

Check Out Our Book Lists

Are you ready to embark on your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading journey? These book lists feature recommendations for great books to support early literacy and help you reach your goal. All of these books are available at the library for free with a CCLS library card!


View our book lists here!

Visit Avon Grove Library's online Event Calendar for a complete list of early literacy programs each month! Print copies of the calendar are available in the library.