Terence Bennett has had 700 books read to him since beginning the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program last spring at North Webster Community Public Library. InkFreeNews Photos Provided By North Webster Community Public Library.

News Release

NORTH WEBSTER – Research has shown that young children are often ready to learn about reading years before they start school. Help prepare your child for success in school by participating in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program offered at North Webster Community Public Library.

This program is for any child who has not yet started kindergarten with the goal of having 1,000 books read to them before starting school. Although it may sound daunting, it is easier than you think. Any time your child listens to a whole book it counts. It can be a library book, a book from home or a book read at story time. It can even be an audio book or e-book. Parents don’t have to read 1,000 different books either. Reading the same book several times counts, too. If a parent reads just one book to their child per day, they 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 library’s youth department is stocked with thousands of children’s books, parents don’t have to worry about running out of books to read. Contact the youth services desk for details about the program and to sign up to participate.

Bringing your child to Preschool Story Time can help you toward your 1,000 books goal. Registration starts Sept. 15 for the fall session that will be held 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Sept. 29 through Nov. 24. Children, ages three to six, have fun learning through stories, activities and socialization. Sign up at the youth services desk, call (574) 834-7122 ext. 202 or email [email protected].

Adults can increase their flexibility, strength, balance and relaxation with chair yoga that is offered at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 15, 29, Oct. 6, 13 and 20. Participants will learn to do yoga poses while sitting and standing using a chair for support along with practicing breathing techniques. The class is free and will be followed by a 15-minute meditation session.

Four-year-old Aleena Bennett has had 700 books read to her and is well on her way to achieving the 1,000 books goal in North Webster Community Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program.