1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Sonoma County Library encourages families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their children before they enter kindergarten. Reading aloud to children from birth helps strengthen language skills and build vocabulary - two important tools for learning to read.
Whether you read three books a day or one book a day, you can reach this important milestone:
- 3 books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books
- 1 book a day for 3 years = 1,095 books
There are three ways to sign up:
- Sign up at any Sonoma County Library Branch and pick up a paper reading log.
- Register online here.
- Register using a mobile device. Download and install the Beanstack reading tracker app from Apple iTunes or Google Play.
How to Participate
Track Your Reading: Each time you read a book with your child, log it on your reading log (paper or online).
Show Us Your Reading Logs: When your child finishes 100 books, bring the completed sheet to the library and have it stamped to collect the next page. If you're keeping track through Beanstack, come in after your child has received the online badge for 100 books. You’ll get a tote bag to carry all the books you’re reading!
At each 100-books badge, you can visit the library for a sticker.
Read More Books: When you get all the way to 1,000, you'll receive a new book to keep!
Frequently Asked Questions
My child likes to read the same book over and over again. How do I count that?
You log each book you read to your child. If you read the same book 10 times, log the book 10 times.
Can I count books that are read to my child in school, or by a nanny or daycare provider?
Yes, any book that is read to your child counts.
Do the books have to be library books?
No, any book you read counts, whether it's a library book, your own book, your friend's book, etc.
What if a child can read before starting kindergarten? Does it count when children read books by themselves?
Reading is an important activity for adults to do with children, so if your child reads to you, that counts too!
My child likes to listen to books on the computer/iPad/eReader/etc. Can I count them?
If your child listens to the whole book, it counts!
We participated in the Summer Reading Program in Beanstack. Do I need to register again?
If you already have an account in Beanstack, just log in, go to your child's reader account, and register and participate in 1,000 Books.
