Families are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Verona Public Library. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a nationwide challenge encouraging parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their children. By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal in three years and provide their children essential early literacy skills.
Research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Most importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading.
Upon signup, the Library provides an introductory packet with book lists, a book tracker and more details about the program. Children collect a reward sticker for every 100 books read.
After completing the goal of reading 1,000 books, children receive a certificate signed by Children’s Librarian, Rachael Trotter. They may choose any book from the children’s room to have the Library affix a specially-designed bookplate to commemorate their achievement as well as take home a stuffed toy from a selection of book characters.
To earn additional prizes throughout the summer, pre-readers can join in the fun of Verona Public Library’s annual summer reading program by picking up an Adventure Game Board available at the library. To keep children of all ages reading throughout the summer, all library patrons who borrow 12 or more books from the Children’s Room in one visit will receive a coupon for a free kid’s sundae at Applebee’s (while supplies last.)
The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is free and open to families in Verona with children between the ages of birth and five years. Residents outside Verona are encouraged to contact their local library to find out if they offer this nationwide program.
For more information about Verona Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program, call 973-857-4848 to speak with a youth services librarian or visit https://www.veronalibrary.org/1000-books/
