Celebrate Early Literacy With 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

The school year is here, and the big kids are back in the classroom—but it’s never too early to encourage our youngest learners to read! Those under the age of 5 can sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.  

Small girl sitting on a bench and smiling

How to Participate 

There are three ways to sign up and track your books.  

Every time you read a book to your child counts, even if you are reading the same book multiple times. For every 100 books you read, come to the library for a special sticker. When you get to 1,000 books, come to the library for a special completion prize! 

Early Literacy 

Reading out loud to your child can help them develop early language and literacy skills well before they begin school. It also helps them form stronger social and emotional connections. Spending time together reading, going to the library and attending story times are all great experiences in the early years of your child’s life. The more words your child hears and the more stories they are exposed to, the better they will understand the world around them. 

Man and daughter coloring on the carpet

1,000 Books Celebration Party 

Sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at one of our celebration programs happening Tuesday, September 2, through Friday, November 7. The program will include a story time and craft where you and your child can decorate a tote bag to take home library books. You will also receive a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading log and free book to keep. Families who are currently participating in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten are welcome to join as well! Each book read during story time counts toward the 1,000 books.  

For more information about the program, head to our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten page on the website. 

CategoryNews