1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Give Your Child the Tools to Become a Reader!

What is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten? 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free nationwide program that encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before they enter kindergarten. Research shows that sharing books, conversations, and songs with young children builds language skills. This type of share contributes to children's healthy development, encourages bonding, provides skills children need to success in school, and helps assure they become lifelong lovers of books.

Who can participate in this program?  Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can sign up. How long will the program take?  This self-paced program may take anywhere from a few months to a few years.

How do I sign up and get started? 

• Visit the Children's Desk to register and get your first tracking log.
• Color in a circle on your tracking log for each book you read.
• When your child has completed 100 books, bring your log in for a sticker and prize.
• After each 100 book milestone, visit the Allen Public Library to receive a new log, sticker, and prize.
• Misplace your log? You can also download and print your own.
• When your child reaches 1,000 books, you'll receive your final sticker, certificate, and a prize book!

What books count?

Anytime your child listens to a book it counts! It can be a library book, a book from home, a non-English book, or a book read at story time. You can count multiple readings of the same book, too! Multiple readings help develop language skills.

Can my child finish early?

Yes! We love eager readers! We hope after you finish you'll continue to read every day together.

What if my child is already in Kindergarten?

Your Kindergartener may not be eligible for this program, but we would love for you to join us when we have special reading programs during school breaks. Keep an eye on our calendar for information about Winter Reading or Summer Reading programs.

What if I still have questions?

Feel free to visit us or call Youth Services during open library hours at 214.509.4906.