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1000 Books Before Kindergarten®

Did you know that the best way to help your child get ready for success in school is to read aloud with them every day? Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, toddler and/or preschooler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten.

Program Details

The Rolling Meadows Library is the perfect place to find fabulous books that you both will enjoy reading! Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you. 

Who can participate in this program?
Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten.

How many of my children can participate?
All of them (as long as they haven’t started kindergarten). Make it even more fun and read as a family!

Which books can we record?
Any book read to your child counts. This includes caregivers, teachers, siblings…it even includes books read during Storywalk®, Storytimes and Storytime To Go!

How long will it take to read 1000 books?
The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read. 

  • Read 1 book per night to reach 1,000 books before 3 years have passed! 
  • Read 2 books per night to reach 1,000 books before 2 years have passed! 
  • Read 3 books per night to reach 1,000 books before 1 year has passed!

How To Participate

  1. Get Started at the Ask Me Desk! Pick up instructions and easy to use reading logs.
  2. Track each book read in your easy to use reading log OR download the app for easy tracking on the go App Store External Link | Google Play External Link.
  3. For every 100 books you log your child will receive a milestone sticker and book prize from the Ask Me Desk.
  4. When you have read all 1000 books, stop by the Ask Me Desk with your completed logs to pick up your prize. We will also add your child’s name to our hall of superstar readers!
Reading a book to a baby in a tent

What to Read

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Logo

Tips for reading to young children

Have Fun:
Use different voices, motions, facial expressions, and props (toys, stuffed animals) to bring the story to life.

Snuggle Up:
Hold your child in your lap or next to you. Include a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other comfort item.

Talk About It:
Point out things in the pictures. Ask your toddler questions about the pictures and story. Share stories about yourself.

Stay Flexible:
It's okay to skip pages, read back to front, just look at the pictures, or not finish a book. You can also read aloud while your child plays with other toys.

Be Prepared:
Keep books close a hand - throughout your home, in the diaper bag, in the car - for sharing anytime. A few minutes throught the day add up to a big benefit for your child.

Repeat Favorites:
Children love to hear their favorite stories over and over again. The repetition helps them gain important literacy skills.

Record Your Success:
Use a reading log to record your progress and enjoy a fun treat with your child when you reach new milestones.

Visit the Library:
Take a trip to the library to explore the bookshelves, attend a storytime, get reading recommendations, and take books home to read.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten® External Link is a registered trademark of the 1000 Books Foundation, used with permission. The 1000 Books Foundation is operated exclusively for charitable, literary, and educational purposes.