1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Young patron holding 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten graphic sign in library

Kindergarten readiness is a priority for families and caregivers and Anne Arundel County Public Library wants to help.

Reading aloud to children from birth helps strengthen language skills and build vocabulary – two important tools for learning to read. Register for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, log your reading and grow a reader while building your home library.

HOW DOES 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN WORK?

1. Register at any library or use the Beanstack Tracker app.

  • Children receive a free book and tote bag at registration.

2. Track your reading. Each time you read a book with your child, log it in the Beanstack Tracker app or on the paper log.

  • All books count including the books read at library storytimes and day care! You can read 1,000 different books or the same book 1,000 times!

3. Earn prizes. Visit any library to select a new book for your home library for every 100 books you log and receive a special prize for reading 1,000 books

It's easy to reach this important milestone:

  • 3 books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books
  • 1 book a day for 3 years = 1,095 books

Frequently Asked Questions

You log each book you read to your child. If you read the same book 10 times, just log the book ten times.

Yes, any book that is read to your child by anybody counts.

No, any book you read counts, whether it's a library book, your own book, your friend's book, etc.

Reading is an important activity for adults to do with children, so if your child reads to you, that counts too!

As long as your child listens to the whole book, it counts!