1000 Books Before Kindergarten’s 5th Year!

Have you heard of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?

This is York County Libraries’ fifth year for this program. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program which instills a love of reading in children from the earliest days of life. It also establishes the healthy habit of daily reading and builds positive nurturing experiences between parent or caregiver and child. Reading just one book a night reaches the goal in three years! And to date, 4,137 children and their families have joined the program. Come learn more!

Why is this special?

You are your child’s first teacher. Singing, talking, reading, writing and playing together all help your child get ready to read. Reading aloud to children increases vocabulary, enhances language skills, and prepares the child for school success. The outcomes show that children display enthusiasm and excitement about reading as they achieve their reading goals! Here are some more positive outcomes and statistics:

  • Children who are read to are three to four more times likely to recognize all letters of the alphabet, count to 20 or higher, write their own names and read or pretend to read
  • Brain development is at 90% by age five, before a child enters kindergarten
  • Families read together five times a week
  • Caregivers improve early reading skills with their children

How can the library help?

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is free to all families in York County with a library card. Other ways to get more books read to your child include attending library programs such as:

Check out your library location for details about their programs!

How to get started?

First, register your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschooler. You can register them any time before they start kindergarten. It’s never too early to start!

After registering your child, start tracking books and help your child reach their milestones! Check out our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten page for more information or visit your local library!

Don’t forget to celebrate!

Once your child is registered and starts completing books, you can bring them into the library at each 100-book milestone to celebrate their achievements! There are also milestone prizes at 500 books and 1000 books. YCL also hosts a mid-year “Reading Journey Celebration” for families and an annual ceremony to celebrate the children who read 1000 books!

Want a peek at the fun?

Below, there are some pictures of our “Reading Journey Celebration” held this past Saturday, March 4th:

2023 Reading Journey Slideshow by YCL Youth Services

We look forward to igniting the love of reading with you and your child!