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
Please visit https://elyrialibrary.org/content/1000-books-kindergarten for the full 1,000 Books Reading Challenge page.