On behalf of the Atkins Public Library, we invite you to participate in this free program that encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts kindergarten. 

Program Overview

Read a book (any book) to your infant, toddler, and/or preschooler. The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten. If you read just 1 book a night, you will read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around five years of age, the goal of 1,000 books seems within reach. 

Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you. The key to reaching the 1,000 book goal is perseverance. You can repeat books. Make it exciting. When you children reach a milestone, celebrate with a small reward or make sure to come in to the library at the designated free reward milestones. 

How To Participate

• Pick up reading logs at the Atkins Public Library or download them from the library's website. 
• Read with your child. 
• Record the titles of the books that you read with your child. You may repeat titles. 
• Bring completed reading logs to the Atkins Public Library at the 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and, 1,000-book milestones and your child will receive a reward. If you prefer to use the electronic log available for download below, you can e-mail completed logs to atkinslibraryregister@gmail.com, but you will still need to come in to the library to receive rewards. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can participate in this program? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The child simply needs to have a parent or caregiver with an Atkins Public Library account. 
• How long will the program take? Anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program is self-paced and will depend on how often someone reads to your child. If you read five books per day, it will take 200 days to read 1,000 books. If you read five books per week, it will take almost four years to read 1,000 books. 
• How many of my children can participate? Any and all of your children who have not yet started kindergarten may be in the program at the same time. Make it even more fun and read as a family!
• Can I only count books that I read to my child myself? You may include books that others (teachers, siblings, grandparents, etc.) read to your child if you are aware of them. 

Register your child(ren) using this Google Form: Registration for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Click here to download a book log: