What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program designed to help parents prepare their children for one of life’s big milestones: kindergarten. Research has shown that children get ready to read long before they enter school. An excellent way to get your child ready to learn is to read to them.
Why should your family participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?
Love of Reading
Reading with your child and making it a special time together shows them that reading is valuable and enjoyable. You can start to develop a love of reading in your child from a very young age!
Ready to Read
You are your child’s first teacher and your home is where your child begins to learn. When you talk, sing, read, write, and play you are helping your child get ready to read!
Appreciation for the Library
By coming to the library together you can show your child how the library works, help them gain an appreciation for the wide range of materials available and get recommendations for books that can broaden your child’s interests.
| Child's Age when 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Starts | Number of Books to Read Per Day to Complete 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten | Number of Books to Read Per Week to Complete 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten |
| 0 Years Old | 1 | 4 |
| 1 Year Old | 1 | 5 |
| 2 Years Old | 1 | 7 |
| 3 Years Old | 2 | 10 |
| 4 Years Old | 3 | 20 |
How to Participate
Sign in or Register for an Account on Beanstack
By visiting our online logging software you can login with your account information from previous years. If you are new to our site, you can create a login!
Register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
After signing in and creating a Beanstack account, you will need to register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. If you do not register, you cannot log reading, earn badges or prizes.
Log books read to earn badges and prizes.
Breakdown of Books Read and Prizes
| Number of Books Read | Digital Badge | Sticker* | Prize* |
| 50 | |||
| 100 | |||
| 150 | |||
| 200 | |||
| 250 | |||
| 300 | |||
| 350 | |||
| 400 | |||
| 450 | |||
| 500 |
|
||
| 550 | |||
| 600 | |||
| 650 | |||
| 700 | |||
| 750 | |||
| 800 | |||
| 850 | |||
| 900 | |||
| 950 | |||
| 1,000 |
|
*Stickers and Prizes can be redeemed at your nearest Metro Library
No Internet Access? No Problem
You can keep track of the books read through a paper log or remembering how many books you've read. Visit with a library staff member to help enter information into your child's log.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten FAQs
Upcoming Events
Library Card Sign-up Month
It may be small, but a library card packs a mighty punch. You can borrow museum passes, attend programs for all ages, and even check out garden tools.
Apple Play Doh Counting Activity - Take Home Kit for Ages 2-5
Squish it, roll it, count it! Use this home-made play doh kit to strengthen your little hand muscles while practicing important early literacy skills such as counting, talking, and playing!
Play doh contains: flour, red dye
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per registration. Please register individually to ensure that kits are appropriately distributed. Special notes should not be used for additional registrations.
Thank you for your help!
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
¡Hola!
Disclaimer(s)
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Join us for a storytime at your neighborhood library! Skilled librarians will introduce little ones to the library and show parents and caregivers invaluable information on reading readiness and create excitement about reading. Connect with others while enjoying stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and more!
Get ready to jump, clap, and sing at our interactive toddler storytime!
Join us every week for Tots Thursdays! Each week is filled with exciting activities designed to stimulate your child’s development while having a blast! Every month, we rotate through four themes:
Join us for a storytime at your neighborhood library! Skilled librarians will introduce little ones to the library and show parents and caregivers invaluable information on reading readiness and create excitement about reading. Connect with others while enjoying stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and more!
Calling all Preschoolers, ages 3.5-5! What will be going on at the library today? Something exciting just for you! Will it be playtime, storytime, parachute play, or music play? No matter what, it will be fun, so come and see!
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.