
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Get your child ready to read by sharing books together!
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide challenge to read, you guessed it, 1000 books with your little one before they start kindergarten. The Library’s special program for you and your kiddo(s) is an easy way to get your child ready to learn and read by sharing books together and earning fun prizes along the way!
To support this program, contact the Jefferson County Library Foundation, opens a new window.
Get Started with 1000 Books
Discover creative ways to get your little one ready to read.
Read for Prizes
The journey to 1000 is as fun as it is easy! Earn a sticker for every 100 books you read, as well as fun midway and finisher prizes.

Starter Prize
Let us know you want to join, and choose an animal lunch bag!

Midway Prize
Log 500 books and pick up your midway prize — a fun, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten branded book bag!
Finished reading 500? Please take our survey! English Survey, opens a new window / Spanish Survey, opens a new window

Finisher Prize
One thousand is just the beginning! Finish the program and earn a complimentary children's book and a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten branded backpack!
Finished reading 1000? Please take our survey! English Survey, opens a new window / Spanish Survey, opens a new window
Track Your Reading
Logging your books for 1000 Book Before Kindergarten is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Paper Tracking
Mark off the books you read when you pick up your paper tracker at any Library or download and print your tracker from home. (English, opens a new window or Spanish, opens a new window)
Online Tracking
Or, register online through Beanstack, opens a new window! You have the option of simply entering the number of books you've shared together or keeping track of all the great titles read.
Events for Young Readers
These special programs at our library are perfect for getting kiddos excited about books, reading and all things learning.
Read and Play with Library Story Times
1000 Books in 1 Year
With a book a day, you're on your way! Reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is easy! Read along with us all year long. These lists showcase 20 books each week, and after 50 weeks of reading, you'll have read 1000!
1000 Books Carousel
Explore Staff Picks
These special staff lists help you check off your next few reads for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.
Staff Picks Carousel
Babies First Books
Parents are their child’s first and most important teacher! And Babies First Books encourages families to read together! Ask a library staff member at any location for your free copy of Rock-A-Bye Baby Reader in English or ask for the book in Spanish.


These high-quality books contain rhymes and songs along with tips and information for the adult readers on how these activities positively affect their baby’s brain development.
Childcare providers and other professionals who work with families are welcome to request multiple copies by contacting our Kids & Families team.
Sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten to keep the learning going.
To support this program, contact the Jefferson County Library Foundation, opens a new window.