For Parents

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

“Numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read. Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success. Public formal education does not typically start until ages 5-6. Before then, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the 0-5 early critical years. The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple and very manageable endeavor.”
– The 1000 Books Foundation Mission Statement

To Begin

  1. Register online to begin the 1,000 Books journey.
  2. Download a recording log sheet online or pick one up from the Kids’ desk. Each log is for 100 books, and completing a log means you’ve reached a milestone! (see below)
  3. Read to your child before kindergarten. This can be your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschooler.
  4. Record on the log each time you read a book. Let your child help and color the log, use stickers, or fill out on the downloaded form.

You can fill them out online (download the fillable file, and email it to us when finished) or print the form and mail it to us or drop it off when we’re open.

This service is for kids up to Grade 8

We are happy to announce Media Match Jr., EPL’s recommendation service for the youngest members of our community! Start by filling out our kids' form which asks additional questions to make sure we can make the best possible suggestions for children.

Tips

  • 1,000 Books is self-paced and how long it takes will depend on how often you read together. If you read one book a day, that’s 365 in one year, 730 in two years, and 1,095 in three years.
  • It’s okay to read books more than once! Each time the book is read, it counts toward the 1,000 books.
  • Any book read to your child, including those read at Library storytimes, part of the Summer or Winter Reading Programs, or those read by siblings and friends, counts!
  • Ask us for book suggestions. We are always happy to help!

What do I do when we reach a milestone?

When you’ve read your first 100 books, come to the Kids’ Library to register with your EPL card and celebrate. Come back for each 100-book milestone and celebrate with a fun activity and photo shoot. At 1,000-books, your child earns a T-Shirt and an invitation to a graduation party (EPL card required). 1,000 books before kindergarten – the idea is simple, but the benefits last a lifetime!

How can you help your child on their early literacy journey to get ready to read?

The Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children suggest five ways to get every child ready to read:

  1. Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read. You’re never too old to enjoy listening to a good book.

  2. Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn new words and information. It also keeps families more connected.

  3. Singing is a natural way for children to learn about and play with language. No worries if your voice is not rock star perfect – if you can talk, you can sing! Your child’s favorite voice is yours.

  4. Writing and reading go together and help children learn that written words stand for spoken language. Scribbling and drawing are forms of writing too and have meaning to your child.

  5. Playing is one of the primary ways young children learn about how the world works. It also helps them learn language and think symbolically – “this box is a rocket ship”.

Homeschooling Resources at EPL

Provide feedback by filling out a questionnaire to let us know what homeschooling families want and need. The survey will also provide us with your contact information so we can keep you up to date on services going forward.

Please refer to our events calendar for information about upcoming homeschool programming and other events. Contact Nuala Maloney-Murphy at nuala.maloney@elmlib.org or (630) 279-8696 to be added to the email list for homeschool programming if you do not already receive these emails.

Homeschool Info