Parents asked to read 1,000 books to kids

The Washington-Centerville Public Library has launched a new program that challenges parents and their children to make an official commitment to reading 1,000 books before the child starts kindergarten. “Just one bedtime story each night would result in 1,000 books read in less than three years,” comments Becky Camillus, Children’s Team Leader and program coordinator, explaining how manageable the challenge really is.

Participation in the program is simple. Stop by the Children’s Room at the Library to pick up a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading journal. Every time you read a book, color in or cross out a number in the journal. At each 100 books read milestone, visit the Library to receive a puzzle piece. Once you’ve read 1,000 books, you’ll earn the final puzzle piece, a certificate of achievement and your photo in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Hall of Fame. For those who prefer paperless tracking, simply download the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app, available in iPhone and Android formats.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national program, funded by the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Foundation, with the goal of providing a simple, innovative, and fun approach to establishing strong early literacy skills. For more information on Washington-Centerville Public Library or the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, visit wclibrary.info.