Greenburgh Public Library Blog

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program Refresh!

The Children's Library has refreshed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program with a new bulletin board, new book bags and new prizes! This early literacy program offered by the Youth Services Department promotes reading to children from birth to age five because it is never too early to start reading to your child! 

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten helps children develop the tools they need to become proficient readers by building language, vocabulary, and early literacy skills. The program encourages parent/caregiver and child bonding through the activity of reading together. So snuggle up and start reading! 

The goal is to read 1,000 books with your child before they begin Kindergarten. It may sound like a lot of books, but if you read just one book a day with your child, you’ll reach 1,000 books in less than three years! Read three books a day with your child and you will reach over 1,000 books in one year. Come to the Children's Room to enroll your child to earn a spot on our bulletin board and take home a welcome bag which includes a reading folder.

The Children's Librarians can help you select books (we love this part of our job), but there is no mandatory reading list, and it does not have to be a library book. Most children have a favorite book that they like to hear over and over again so repeating the same book counts towards the 1,000 Books. We provide incentives like small toys, coloring sheets and stickers for the children. At the halfway point (500 books), the prize is a special reading buddy! The completion of the program results in a certificate, a book and a spot on our wall of fame!

All families are welcome to join!  Stop by the library on Saturday, April 30th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm  to learn more, register in person and participate in a craft.  If you cannot make the sign-up event, just stop by during library hours or register online.