News Release

NORTH WEBSTER— Numerous studies have shown that reading to young children helps with language development and improves their readiness for school. That is why North Webster Community Public Library is offering the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

Eight-year-old Korben Mast displays two of the books purchased with money he donated to North Webster Community Public Library to buy the graphic novel format of some of his favorite books.

This program is for children ages birth to 5 years old with the goal of having 1,000 books read to them before entering kindergarten. 

Although it may sound daunting, it’s easier than you think. Parents don’t have to read 1,000 different books. Reading the same book several times counts, too. If a parent reads just one book to their child per day, they have will have read 365 books in one year and 730 books in two years. In just three years, they will have exceeded the goal to 1,095 books. Since the youth department is stocked with thousands of children’s books, parents don’t have to worry about running out of books to read.

To keep motivated, small incentives will be offered along the way. In addition, the Youth Department will post the names and photos of children as they complete various reading levels. It is also a great opportunity for parents to share their child’s accomplishment with family and friends. Upon completion of the program, children will receive a certificate of achievement along with a canvas book bag displaying their accomplishment.

To participate in the program, parents can sign up at the youth services desk where they will receive a log sheet and instructions. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a simple and fun way of helping children develop early literacy skills to become strong readers and learners.