1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a FREE program to help encourage parents/caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before he or she starts kindergarten. This program not only helps develop early literacy skills, but it also teaches kids to love books, as well as prepare them for school. The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten. (yes, you CAN repeat books!) We know this sounds like a lot. But if you really think about it, if read just 1 book a night you will read 365 books a year! That means 730 books in 2 years and 1,095 books in 3 years! Most kids start kindergarten when they turn 5, so you have plenty of time to get started!

How does it work?

First: Sign up at the Dade County Library! Then begin tracking the books you read with your child by downloading the 1,000 books before kindergarten app in the Apple Store or in the Google Play Store. The app will ask you to create an account with an email and password. Once you have created your account you are able to add a reader and begin tracking their progress. (***If internet access is not available, please tell a librarian and they will provide you with a paper form to track your reading progress.***) For every 100 books your child reads, bring in either your app to show us the progress or your paper tracking form and your child will receive a small prize. When your child has reached their 1,000-book goal, they will receive a "Graduation" certificate and a book for completing the program.

Who can participate?

Any baby, toddler, or child age 0-5 years old who has NOT started kindergarten.

How long will the program take?

The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read with your child. It can take a few months to a few years. It's up to you!