1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Lyons Public Library is proud to participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, an early literacy program for children birth – 6 (and not yet enrolled in Kindergarten). Reading to your child is one of the most important ways to prepare them for school. Even 20 minutes a day can aid in language development and early literacy skills, not to mention the bond you will create with your child!

This program is sponsored by the South Central Kansas Library System.

Sign Up!

Signing up is as easy as filling out a form at the link below or coming to the library to register at the circulation desk.

Register Now

How do we start?

Once signed up, it’s time to get the first reading log. Click on the button below or stop by the library. Then the fun begins.  Start reading! Each book you read to your child will count, no matter how many times you read it to them – repetition is important to children as they grow, so mark down the book each time you read it. Do you come to our weekly story times? Write those books down too! Any time your child is read a book, it counts.
You can download the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten app for Android or Apple.  The app can help you keep track of your readers and what books they read.  Learn to use the App! 

Who can participate?

All children from birth through the time when he/she enters kindergarten. Families are encouraged to participate together, so feel free to sign up multiple children.

How long will it take?

This program is self-paced, so tackle it however you like!

How can we possibly read 1,000 books before Kindergarten?

Easy! Perseverance is the key. If just one book a night is read, 365 books will be read in a year.  In two years, the number will grow to 730.  In the third year, the goal will be surpassed at 1,095 books.  If three books are read every night, 1000 books will be read in less than a year!  Since most children start kindergarten at age 5 or 6, there is more time than one thinks and it’s never too late to start!

Why should I participate?

Parents and caregivers are the first educational providers before formal education begins. Reading aloud to children has clear cognitive benefits and strengthens their social and emotional development.

Tips for completing the program:

  • Start reading to your child as soon as they are born! Black and white contrast books are perfect for newborns.
  • Touch and Feel books are perfect for toddlers who are learning through exploration with their senses.
  • Find books with rich vocabulary and bright pictures for preschool age children to help them identify things more easily and learn the words to describe what they are seeing.
  • Pick 2 or 3 books to read to your child every night before bed. This is a great way to cuddle up and spend meaningful time together before they go down for the night.
  • Come to our weekly story times! We have a storytime specifically for children age 1 and up who have not entered Kindergarten.  Storytime meets each Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:15 pm.

Progress and incentives!

Turn in your reading log at each 100 book level to receive rewards and encouragement!  Keep reading and you’ll be well on your way to meeting the 1000 book challenge!

Have any questions or need recommendations for books?
Stop by our circulation desk and someone will help you!