By Zoe Elrod, Internal Communications Coordinator 

As adults across Oklahoma County wrap up Winter Reading goals, the Metropolitan Library System encourages families to focus on their youngest readers. Children’s literacy begins long before school, and one of the simplest ways to build skills is by reading together daily. 

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a pivotal early-literacy initiative for children from birth to age five. This free, year-round program fosters strong reading habits at home, in the library, and beyond 

Research shows children develop reading readiness years before school. Talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing together lays the foundation for language and future academic success.  

Participation varies by age: families starting at birth read about one book per day, while older starters may read several a day. Caregivers register and log reading through the online reading tracker Beanstack, earning digital badges, stickers, and prizes. Milestones are celebrated every 50–100 books, with major rewards at 500 (a reading buddy plush and certificate) and 1,000 books (a themed tote bag, book and completion certificate). Prizes and stickers can be picked up at any Metro Library, and families without internet access can track reading on paper with library staff assistance. 

Beyond this program, the Metropolitan Library System is also a proud affiliate partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a book gifting program that provides a free book each month for a child from the time they’re born until their fifth birthday. Metro Library locations offer a wide range of programs and spaces for young children and their caregivers with storytimes, music programs, “toddlerobics,” art activities and playgroups designed to build literacy skills.  

The library also supports early learning by connecting parents and caregivers with trusted resources like the Center for Early Literacy Learning, while local programs such as Early Birds Oklahoma, Infant Crisis Services and Sooner Start provide additional support. Families can also access parenting resources, including the Child Development Institute, Oklahoma Autism Center, Parent Promise, HealthyChildren.org and the CDC. Plus, with a library card, they can explore the International Children’s Digital Library for thousands of books in over 50 languages, as well as PBS Reading and Learning and Storyblocks for videos, activities and booklists at home. 

Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about early literacy programs can visit metrolibrary.org/explore/audience/parents-caregivers or stop by their nearest Metro Library location.