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Enjoy bonding time together and encourage early literacy by reading 1000 books with your child before they enter kindergarten. Begin the building blocks of a lifelong reader! |
Overview | The idea is simple – read as much as you can, as often as you can and watch your child grow. The goal is to read 1000 books before your child enters kindergarten. It sounds like a lot but just one book a day is 365 books. That's 730 books in two years or 1825 books by the time your child is five! This reading program is supported by Ready, Set, Go...to Kindergarten.
How to Participate
Read to Your Child | Research shows this is a great way to bond with your child and build life-long memories.
Track the Books You Read | You can use one of our tracking sheets, the Beanstack program (either online or the app), or simply write the titles down in a spiral notebook. The records will become a special keepsake as you watch your child's interests grow. Every books counts, including those read at daycare, preschool, or by family members and friends.
Tracking Sheets | 100 Books | 200 Books | 300 Books | 400 Books | 500 Books
600 Books | 700 Books | 800 Books | 900 Books | 1000 Books
Use Your Library | You don't have to buy 1000 books – get them for free using the Library's catalog or emedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate? | Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten. Didn't start when your child was a newborn? That's okay – it is never too late to start reading with your child.
Can books be repeated? | Of course! Children love repeating books, and it's a great way for them to learn.
What are the milestones that earn prizes? | Come visit any location of the Elyria Public Library System with your reading log or tracking sheet to earn for your child a prize at the following milestones:
- Registration - Canvas Tote Bag
- 100 books read - Sticker
- 500 books read - Sticker
- 750 books read - Sticker
- 1000 books read - T-Shirt & Invitation to Annual Graduation Celebration
How long will the program take? | This is a self-paced program. It may take a few months; it may take a few years; it may take until the day your child enters kindergarten. It depends on how often you read together. The key is to keep reading and enjoying books together.
How many children can participate? | Any child who has not yet started kindergarten. Read as a family – and yes, you can count a book for multiple children.
I don't have a library card. How can I access books for my child? | Sign up for an e-card which gives you access to emedia. To get a physical card and access to print books, visit the Library with your young reader and bring your photo ID. If the home address on your ID is not up to date, bring along a piece of mail or utility bill addressed to your current residency. Signing up only takes a few minutes, and you will receive your card that same day!
How do I obtain emedia? | Access ebooks through OverDrive or Libby with your library card.
How do I register for Beanstack? | Sign up here! You'll need a library card and valid email.
How do I use Beanstack to track books? | Register for a Beanstack account and join the 1,000 Book Reading Challenge and log your books. You can also download the Beanstack app for tracking.
Downloads | Reading Challenge Instructions | Tracking Sheets