Salem Public Library is excited to present the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative.

Reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost their brain power. The concept is simple, but the rewards are invaluable. Read 1,000 books with your pre-reader before they enter kindergarten. Research has shown that children who are read to early and often are better prepared for school success by the time they start kindergarten. The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and following a narrative—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten. It’s never too early to start either. Sharing books with infants and toddlers is a terrific way to begin building their brains at a critical time in their early learning development.

One thousand may sound like a big number, but when you break it down over time, it is a very achievable goal. If you read just one story at bedtime every night for three years, you’ll have shared 1,095 books! This means if you share 2 books a day, you will complete the program in 1½ years! If you read 10 books a week for two years, you’ll have shared 1,040 books! 

Print out the reading log and start reading with your child today! Each time you complete 100 books with your child, bring your reading log to the library to receive a stamp in your reading log.

Visit the national 1000 Books Before Kindergarten website for title trackers, milestone certificates, additional booklists, and more.

This small commitment of time is well worth the advantages you will be giving your child while also making fond memories of sharing stories with them.