You can do it! It’s easier than you think!
A fun, easy and free early literacy program for families with children ages 0-5. The goal is to read a thousand books together before the start of kindergarten.
Start reading with your child! Read whatever you like, at your own pace, and enjoy reading together.
How to participate:
- Pick up tracking sheets from the library or download them from our website.
- Log each book that you read together by colouring in each book. 1 book coloured = 1 book read!
- After every 100 books read, show your completed tracking sheet at the library to get a milestone sticker.
- When you have logged 1000 books, your child will earn a completion certificate and a free book!
Reading a thousand books can be daunting, but let’s make it easier. If you read one book a night with your child, you can complete the challenge in less than three years. If you read three books a night, you can read 1000 books in one year! Remember, any book counts towards your reading goal—even those books your child enjoys reading over and over!
Tracking Sheets
Download and print your own tracking sheets, or pick them up at the library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I start to find books for my child?
You can search the Library’s catalogue to find a variety of picture books and board books. You can also visit the library and any of our staff can lend a hand in finding the perfect book.
Do the books have to be from the library?
No, you can read books from anywhere.
Where do I pick up the tracking stickers and prizes?
From the library at 30 Herriott St.
Why 1000 books?
Your child’s brain develops more from birth to 6 years of age than any other time in their life. Studies have shown that children who are read to from a young age develop a larger vocabulary and stronger language skills. The goal of reading a thousand books before they enter kindergarten will help to strengthen those pre-reader skills.
Can I re-read the same book?
Yes, every book read counts! Colour in one book each time you re-read the book.
Can more than one of my children participate at the same time?
Yes, use separate tracking sheets for each child or combine tracking sheets to use together as a family. This is a flexible program that can be adapted to suit your family’s needs!
Can I count the books that are read to my child by someone other than myself?
Yes, if your child hears a book at preschool, the library, from a grandparent or babysitter, just ask for the number of books and record them.