Start Reading Early With 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

Barack Obama said, “Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible.” The former president said it best—the earlier you start reading to your baby, the better! Studies show that reading helps infants and toddlers with early development, including learning concepts, helping with communication and building listening and memory skills. The more words your child hears and the more stories they are exposed to, the better they can understand the world around them. 

As a community hub and a place packed with books, we want to help you! Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a reading program for parents and caregivers to complete with their children from ages birth to 5. There is no minimum age requirement for this program.  

How to Start 

Pick up a reading log from your nearest branch and keep track of every time you read with your child or use Beanstack to track your child’s reading right from your phone. Every time you read counts, even if you are reading the same book multiple times. 

First-Hand Experiences 

More than 2,000 children have participated in the program since it began in 2021. Meet some of our current participants. 

Rylee

Rylee reading a book
  • Age: 5 
  • Favorite Book: “Disney Princess 5-Minute Princess Stories”   
  • Favorite memory with a book: Going to story time at the library with my cousin, Sophia. 
  • What do you want to be when you grow up?: A chef! 

Nathan

Nathan reading a book
  • Age: 1 
  • Favorite Book: The Mario book we received for participating in Summer Reading this past summer. 
  • Favorite memory with a book: Reading before naptime every day with G-Ma. 
  • What do you want to be when you grow up?: Too soon to tell, but maybe a physical education teacher or a football coach. 

Noah

Noah reading a book
  • Age: 3 
  • Favorite Book: Any Elephant and Piggie series story.  
  • Favorite memory with a book: Coming to the library and getting Elmo books. 
  • What do you want to be when you grow up: An engineer or an architect. 

Once You’re Done Reading 

Every time you finish 100 books, head to your local branch to receive a sticker to mark the milestone. Then, once you’ve hit the grand 1,000, head in to receive a completion medal.  

Ready to get started? Head to our catalog to find your favorite read.  

CategoryProgramming and Events