1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

A national program that promotes reading to children ages 0-5. Reading to children early and often improves pre-literacy skills and word knowledge and helps parents and children bond. Cabarrus County Public Library has adopted the program and integrated the five “Every Child Ready to Read” pillars—reading, writing, singing, playing, and talking - to provide a full range of activities and themes that foster lifelong learning.

This program is for children between the ages of 0 and 5, and their caregivers. Every child in this age range is welcome to participate!

Parents/caregivers can sign their children up for the program online or through the Beanstack app. If they do not wish to participate online, they can sign up in person at any library location. After sign up, they can pick up a folder of materials to help them along the way. These items are optional and free, and will also be available to view or print online.

This program is perpetually open to new participants! There are no set deadlines, other than the goal of reaching 1,000 books read before the child reaches Kindergarten. Once enrolled in the program, you can participate at a pace that best suits your child’s needs, and track your progress online, through the Beanstack app, or manually.

A child's brain develops most rapidly during the first 2-3 years of life. Reading to them during that time is a significant component of literacy development, language skills, critical thinking abilities, and fosters creativity and imagination. These are all indicators of future academic success!

Once a child reaches the 500 books milestone, they are eligible to pick up a prize bag at the library! Families who finish the program and reach 1,000 books will receive an invitation to a special, annual celebration recognizing their achievement and hard work.

Babies and young children are comforted by their parents’ voices, and reading a book daily can help forge strong bonds between caregivers and children.