The Boulder Junction Public Library is launching 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, a national early-literacy program that encourages reading to children from birth through preschool.
Thanks to a Library Services & Technology Assistance grant, the library is able to offer this free reading incentive program to area children and families.
What Is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
1000 Books Before Kindergarten helps parents and caregivers prepare children for one of life’s biggest milestones—kindergarten.
Research shows that children begin developing reading skills years before they start school. One of the best ways to support that growth is simple and powerful:
Read with your child every day.
Sharing books together shows children that reading is enjoyable, meaningful, and important—and helps build a lifelong love of learning.
Why Read Together?
Reading with your child:
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Builds early language and literacy skills
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Helps children learn how books and stories work
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Creates positive, meaningful time together
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Teaches respect for books and the library
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Introduces children to a wide range of stories and ideas
Visiting the library together also helps children become comfortable using the library and understanding how it works.
Who Can Participate?
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Any child who has not yet entered 5-year-old kindergarten is eligible.
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The program is self-paced and designed to fit into everyday family life.
How Many Books Do We Need to Read?
It may sound like a lot, but it’s very achievable!
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1 book per day = 365 books in one year
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2 books per day = 730 books in one year
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3 books per day = 1,095 books in one year
If you enroll:
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Before age 3: 1 book per day can get you there
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After age 3: 2 books per day
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After age 4: 3 books per day
What Counts as a Book?
Every full book your child listens to counts!
You can include:
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Library books
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Books from home
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Storytime books
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Audiobooks
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E-books
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Multiple readings of the same book
If your child listens to the entire book—it counts!
Incentives & Rewards
Children receive fun incentives along the way:
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An incentive gift for every completed 100-book reading log
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A free book at:
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100 books
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500 books
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1000 books
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Progress is proudly displayed on the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten display at the library
How to Sign Up
To register:
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Stop by the library during regular hours
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Pick up your first reading log and a program folder
📞 Questions?
Call the Boulder Junction Public Library at 715-385-2050
A Final Thought
“The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.”
— U.S. Department of Education, Becoming a Nation of Readers
