About the Challenge
Books Before… is a set of programs designed to grow with the reader. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is our program for our youngest bookworms, birth-Pre-K.
Name and logo are used with permission from the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Foundation.
Why 1000 Books?
- The program was inspired by the book Reading Magic by Mem Fox.
- Research finds that the more that young children hear books read to them, the more prepared they will be to learn to read upon reaching kindergarten.
- Starting this program while children are very young helps to instill a lifelong love of reading.
- If you read just 1 book a day to a child, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That’s 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in just three years!
How it Works
Log each time you read a book with your child. Books can be read and counted more than once. Every time you complete 100 books, bring your sheet to the Youth Services desk at any MPHPL location to receive a prize. Participant names are placed in our bimonthly program guide as each level is redeemed.
Prize Information
- For the 100, 300, 500, 700 and 900 levels, children can pick a small “way to go!” prize. Selection varies.
- For the 200, 400, 600 and 800 levels, children receive their choice of a free book from our prize book baskets.
- After reaching 1000 books read, children receive a certificate of achievement and other fun rewards. We offer the option for your child to get their picture taken; the picture will be in an upcoming program guide and may be used in future marketing materials, online or in print.
Questions?
Have questions? Give us a call or use the contact form on our website to reach the Youth Services team. We’re happy to help!
