1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Start a reading journey with your child to help them develop a lifelong love of reading with 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. Giving kids a head-start on a lifetime of literacy and learning is the goal of this program for families.   

Share any book with your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschooler. Read your favourite book, share something new, or rediscover a classic. Read a story once or repeat the ones you love as much as you want. The goal is to read 1000 books together before your child begins kindergarten. This encourages little ones to acquire new words, to build their communication skills and imaginations, and to bond with you through the experience of sharing stories and knowledge. 

Getting Started

1000 books can seem like a challenging number. 

However, consider that if you read just one book a day, you will have read 365 books in a year and over 1,000 books over the course of three years.  If you read 10 books per week together, you can accomplish this goal in less than two years or if you enjoy three books a day, you will reach 1000 books in less than a year! 

The great thing about the program is that you can read at your own pace and read together as often as you can, making memories as you go. 

How to Participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten:

1. Pick up a free tracking chart at any Cambridge Public Library location.
2. Each time you read a book, fill in a space on your chart.
3. Once you have reached 500 books, you’re halfway there. Bring your chart to your library location, collect a prize and a second chart.
4. Continue your reading journey until you reach 1000 books. Bring your chart again to collect a prize and certificate in celebration of this special achievement!

By reading together you will give your little reader the confidence to continue reading in school, helping them to become comfortable with books while growing their vocabulary and their love of reading.

Visit your library today and embark on your reading journey together.