1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

We want every child to have the opportunity to read 1,000 books before they enter kindergarten. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a library program that supports families with young children in reaching this important milestone.

Why is it important to read 1,000 books?
Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary — two important tools when they begin learning to read in kindergarten. Studies also show that reading with your child increases bonding, giving you a priceless opportunity to make memories with your child.

How does 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten work at Ingalls Memorial Library?

1. Register by completing this form. Participants will be given a free tote bag with the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten logo for signing up!
2. Obtain a reading log. See options below!
3. Your child will receive a sticker every time they complete 100 books!
4. When your child reaches 1,000 books, they will receive a certificate!

Reading Log Options:

1. Printed copy: Color a circle on the log for every book you read with your child. Download it below:

1000_books_before_kindergarten_packet.pdf
File Size:	13180 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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2. App: Add each title after you read it! Click here for full instructions on how to use the app. Download below:​

3. Try Mr. Joe's super-simplified form! It takes a little extra work up front to get it started, but it's easy once it's up and running. See steps below!

​Mr. Joe's Form - Steps with Videos:

1. Download a copy of the Google Form here. 
OPTIONAL: Rename it something easy to remember!
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2. Link the Google Form to a Google Spreadsheet.
​See video (or ask Mr. Joe to help you!).

Hint: Make sure to expand the video so it's easier to see.

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3. Create a shortcut to the Form and Spreadsheet to your phone desktop for easy access.

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4. Tracking becomes super simple! See the demo!
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5. Want your Spreadsheet to automatically track total books? Create a Formula! You can copy/paste this into an empty cell to the right of your data: =sum(B2:B1000) Bonus! Change the color to make it even easier to see! Note: This only works AFTER you submit your first entry

FAQs

How do we read 1,000 books by Kindergarten? 
It's easy!
1 book per day for 3 years = 1,095
10 books per week for 2 years = 1,040
3 books a day for 1 year = 1,095
 
Do we have to read only books from the Library?
Nope, any age appropriate books count! No matter where you get them or how many times you read them — they all count!
 
I have more than one child I read to. Can I count the same title for each child?
Of course you can!