More Information

Ask a Librarian

Contact Us
Call Us: 217-826-2535
Email Us:

1000 Books Before Kindergarten



This free program encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she enters school– a goal experts say children need to help them learn to read for themselves.

One of the best ways to encourage learning is to spend time sharing books every day. Reading together helps develop important pre-reading skills that provide a solid reading foundation– a key to school and learning success. Plus, sharing stories together is fun!

Here are the easy steps for participation:

  1. Register HERE or stop into the library for more information
  2. Read together
  3. Record the books on your log. You may use a paper log or the 1000 Books App.
    If you read a book more than once, you can record it each time. Books read at library storytime, at daycare or by others to your child also count!
  4. When you finish 100 books, show your log (paper or app) to the library staff  and:
    -Receive a prize and certificate.
  5. Repeat steps 2-3 and receive a different prize at each level
  6. After finishing 500 books, your child:
    -Receives a book
  7. After finishing 1000 books, your child:
    -Receives a t-shirt!

By reading just three stories a day, you and your child will have read over 1,000 books in one year. You will also have shared many special moments along the way. This program has no end date, except when your child begins kindergarten, so don’t feel rushed– just enjoy the experience! Take every chance you have to read with your children, tell and talk about stories, say nursery rhymes, sing songs, and attend library programs.

The library is a fun place featuring books to check out, free programs and great suggestions for what to read. Stop in often and talk to our friendly staff– we are here to help!

Drop by the library today to register your child for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program!