1000 Books Before Kindergarten

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 pick up your 1000 Books Before Kindergarten branded book bag!

Midway Prize

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

Finished reading 500? Please take our survey! English, opens a new window | Español, 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, opens a new window | Español, 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.

Learn more about logging your reading.

Events for Young Readers

These special programs at our library are perfect for getting kiddos excited about books, reading and all things learning.

Story Time

JCPL
Create a lifelong love of reading with our 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.

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