Check It Out: 1,000 books? A kindergartener could do that

The Newport Beach Public Library is excited to announce a new early literacy program, “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.” The program’s goals include helping families increase the amount of time they spend reading and encouraging them to be consistent in reading books together.

The library will assist in these efforts by setting a year-round reading goal and by offering small incentives along the way. All children from ages 0 to 5 or up until they enter kindergarten are eligible to participate.

Families will follow four simple steps to participate in the program. First, register at the library and receive your first reading log. Also, be sure to pick up your free tote bag! Second, read books and track progress on the reading log for each book. Third, return to the library each time you’ve filled out a reading log (100 books) and pick up a prize. Visit the library and pick up a small incentive each time you talk to the librarian about the books you are reading. Fourth and final, repeat the previous steps until you reach 1,000 books! When children reach the 1,000-book mark, they will receive a completion certificate and a free book.

There are many early literacy benefits to a program that encourages reading to young children. Reading to young children is one of the best things you can do to prepare your child for school. When children see reading modeled, they become interested in learning to do so themselves.

One thousand books is a very large goal — but attainable. We don’t expect families to complete this goal in one day or even one month. But by having such a high number as their finishing point, children are participating in something big. This long-term goal also has the benefit of creating a reading routine for each family.

This program is also available year-round. While Summer Reading events are traditional (and fun and beneficial in their own right, and, of course, the library will continue in those efforts), this program will be available continually. Our youngest participants, not yet constrained by the school year, will have unhampered access to 1000 Book resources.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is also designed to be easy for parents. Every book read counts toward the 1,000-book goal. You don’t have to write down every title. Do you read the same book over and over (kids love repetition)? Repeated readings count each time. Did you listen to a book at storytime? That counts too. What about siblings or grandparents reading? Yes!

If you would like other book suggestions, children’s librarians are happy to make recommendations. We also have a booklists page on our website that is full of recommendations based on age, genre and other popular subjects. Don’t have time to read a story yourself? Another option is to call our Dial-a-Story telephone line at (949) 717-3877 and have your child listen to a story.

Visit any Newport library location to find out more about this exciting new program. Or visit our website at newportbeachlibrary.org/kids/1000books to print log sheets and read more information about the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.