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
ArtNow 2025: Identity Collage Station
Who are you today? Explore color, texture, and self-expression at our Identity Collage Station in the children's area. Use a variety of mixed materials to build a textured self-portrait that reflects who you are or who you want to be.
New Year, New Readers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early Literacy Kit
New Year, New Readers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early Literacy Kit
New Year, New Readers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early Literacy Kit
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
New Year, New Readers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early Literacy Take-Home Kit
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
Be Advised: This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.
By Attending, you consent: To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.
For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer
New Year, New Readers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early Literacy Kit
Join us as we read stories, sing songs, play, and move and groove. Littles will naturally gain pre literacy skills as they have fun. Caretakers will have the opportunity to connect with other adults. And magical experiences will be had by all.
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!