1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Ten stickers lined up in two rows of five each noting number increments of books read from 100-1000.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Purpose

Reading aloud to a child is the single most important factor in a child’s interest in reading and their readiness to learn to read when they start school. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a great way to build a love of reading, one book at a time!

Who Can Join

Any child from birth to five years old, who has not started kindergarten may join. This is a self-paced, ongoing program.

How Long It Takes

  • If you read 1 book per day for 3 years, you'll have read 1095 books.
  • If you read 10 books per week for 2 years, you'll have read 1040 books.
  • If you read 3 books per day for 1 year, you'll have read 1095 books.

Sign up at the Library or Online

This self-paced program runs continuously. You can turn in your logs at any Naperville Public Library location or log your reading online through Beanstack.

Completing the Program

  1. Read and color one spot on your log for each book you read together. You can also include books read at storytime programs, books read to your child by others, recorded books, and books read on e-devices. If you read a book more than once, you can record it every time.
  2. Each time you read 100 books, come back to the Library! For every 100 books, receive a sticker and pick up additional reading logs.
  3. When your child has read 500 books, receive an egg shaker and a web link to a digital music album created by the Children's Department staff!
  4. When your child has read 1000 books, they will receive their very own book to keep! You also have the option of having the Library dedicate a new library book in their honor!

Help Finding New Books

Stumped on what books to read next on your 1000 Books Before Kindergarten journey? Stop in at any of our three locations for help in choosing your child's next favorite read: