Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.
Aurora Free Library and Hazard Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success!
Any child ages birth to five years can participate. Just follow these steps:
- Register: Sign up at either library.
- Track Your Reading: Fill in a circle on our reading logs or use the 1000 books before kindergarten app to record each book you read with your child.
- Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as your child listens to the entire book.
- 100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to receive a special reward. Take home a new reading record for your next 100 books.
- Read 1,000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at the library, see your child’s name placed on the 1,000 Book Wall of Fame, receive a free book and more!
- Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead!
One thousand books may seem like a lot, but:
- if you read just one book a night, you’ll read 1000 in less than 3 years.
- if you read three books a night, you could read 1000 in just one year!
Ask our friendly staff for suggestions—we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!
Funding provided by the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund.