1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Reading Begins at Birth

Learning to read begins long before a child starts Kindergarten. Reading to your child is the best way to prepare for school!

Make a commitment to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts Kindergarten.

Track your progress with this self-paced early literacy program at Kalamazoo Public Library.

Get Started!

Sign-up at any library location and receive a reading log. Or you can download a reading log here and bring it to the library.

Record each book that you share together on the log. Repetition is great for learning so feel free to read and record your favorite books over and over again. Don’t forget to include the books you hear at library storytimes.

When you complete 100 books, come to any KPL library to have your progress recorded and to receive a reward for your effort. Keep repeating this process.

When you reach 500 books, you are half-way there.  Come to any KPL library and pick up a free book as a special reward for reaching this milestone.

Once you log 1,000 books, you complete the program!  Come to any KPL library and receive your certificate of completion and a very special grand prize.

Don’t forget to attend special 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs at the library. Check the children’s event calendar for dates and times.

KPL’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is free and open to all early learners.