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.

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Register
Canvas tote bag featuring graphics of animas on one side, that can be colored with crayons, and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten logo on the other side.

Starter Prize

Let us know you want to join, and pick up your 1000 Books Before Kindergarten branded book bag!

Playful and bright children's lunch bags with tops designed to look like animals. From left to right, top to bottom: dog, dolphin, monkey, elephant, cow, pig, penguin, cat, duck, owl and frog.

Midway Prize

Log 500 books and pick up your midway prize — a fun animal lunch bag!

Finished reading 500? Please take our midway survey!

A blue backpack for children, branded with 1000 Books Before Kindergarten logo. Two children's books are stuffed inside the backpack.

Finisher Prize

Finish the program and earn a complimentary children's book and a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten branded backpack!

Finished reading 1000? Please take our finisher survey!

Track Your Books

Logging your books for 1000 Book Before Kindergarten is as easy as one, two, three!

Paper Tracking
Mark off the books you read when you pick up your paper tracker at any full-service location or download, opens a new window and print your tracker from home.

Online Tracking
Register online through Beanstack!

  • Search for "Beanstack" in the app store on your device and install it.
  • Select "Find Your School or Library" and then search for Jefferson County Public Library.
  • Sign in or sign up for an account.
  • Either enter the number of books you've shared together or keep track of all the titles as you go.

Android Tutorial | Apple Tutorial

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Events for Young Readers

These special programs are perfect for getting kiddos excited about books, reading and all things learning. And don't forget to log the books you read at Story Time!

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Events

1000 Books in One Year

With a book a day, you're on your way! Check out our monthly suggestions to inspire your reading journey together, and you'll get to 1000 before you know it!

And if your child has a favorite book, feel free to count it every time you read it together!

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1000 Books Book Lists

1000 Books Before Kindergarten: June 2025

Your child loves to hear your voice – it's comforting to them! Sing silly songs, read and talk to them every day!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten: May 2025

Babies learn about books through play. Keep some board books within easy reach and let them use their senses to explore them.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten: April 2025

Being able to tell stories is a skill that helps children understand what they're reading!

Getting Started

Get a library card to access all of the great online resources JCPL has to offer!

Note: A JCPL card offers access to all content on our site. Adult supervision is recommended.

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Learn More

Keep the Reading Going!

Raise A Reader

Every fall, JCPL provides kids and caregivers with fun and easy ways to prepare their little ones for lifelong reading and learning!

500 Books Before Middle School

Inspire a deep and lifelong love of reading with JCPL's 500 Books Before Middle School, a literacy program for elementary-aged students!

Learn How: Beanstack Niche Video

Learn How: Beanstack

Learn how to track your reading process on Beanstack with help from Niche Academy.
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