The Concept is Simple, The Rewards are Priceless

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books to their children before entering kindergarten.

If you read one book a night, you will have read 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years.  Most children start kindergarten at around age 5. It is easy to do if you start when they are young.

Let's Get Started

Who Can Participate? 

Any child, ages 0-5.

Get Started

Register at any JCPL Branch and receive a free 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Log. Or, register online in Beanstack and then download the Reading Log here.

Every Book Counts

New books, books you have read before or storytime books. 

Track Your Reading 

Each time you read a book with your child, record it in the Reading Log.

Show Us Your Reading Log

Each time you and your child reach a milestone, bring in your Reading Log and collect your prize. Read 1,000 books before kindergarten and your child will receive a free book of their very own.

Keep On Reading

Don’t stop at 1,000 books. Keep on reading together. Ask a librarian for book suggestions to help you on your journey to 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.