1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program offered at Montclair Public Library that encourages parents and caregivers to share 1000 books with their child before they reach Kindergarten. This program lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and provides families with valuable bonding time.

Why 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
This program is based upon evidence that the more children (ages 0-5) hear books read to them, the more prepared they will be to learn and enjoy reading upon reaching kindergarten.

Who can participate?
Any child from birth to the day they enter kindergarten may participate.

1,000 Books sounds like a lot. Can we really do it?
Yes, 1,000 books does sound like a lot and that’s why it’s a great goal to have. It’s good to remember that reading just a few books at a time over the 5 years from birth to kindergarten will get you to that goal. If you read 1 book a day for 3 years, you’ll have read 1095 books! If you read just 10 books each week for 2 years, you’ll have read 1,040 books! If you read 3 books a day for a year, you’ll have read 1,095 books!

How long do I have to complete the program?
The program has no official end date. You may take as long as you need to read the books, as long as you finish before your child’s first day of kindergarten. So don’t rush! Take your time, and enjoy the lasting memories you are making with your child.

Can I count books I read to my child before I registered?
No, the program begins for your family on the day you register, and you only count books you read after registering.

What should I read?
You can read any type of book! To get you started, this packet includes a brochure with a list of books we think every child should read before kindergarten. But you don’t have to limit yourself to books on that list. If you need help finding books for your child, stop by the Children’s Floor. A librarian would be happy to make suggestions for age-appropriate reads.

Do the books need to be library books?
No, any book you read counts, whether it’s a library book, your own book, your friend’s book, a book in your doctor’s office, etc.

My child likes to hear the same book again and again. Does it count each time?
Yes, you may count it as a separate book each time you read it to your child.

What about the books my child hears at storytime or at preschool?
You may count those, too.

What about if Grandma, an older sibling, babysitter, etc., reads to my child. Does that still count?
Yes. The books shared between any caregiver and the child are what counts here.

My child “reads” books to himself. Should I count those?
While it’s a great start, and we love to see them at the early stages of reading, if your child is only mimicking or pretending to read, you shouldn’t count those books. (But pat yourself on the back for influencing an enthusiastic early reader!) If your child has begun to truly read on his or her own, you may include those books.

My child doesn’t always listen to the whole book. Can I still count it?
Yes, of course. This is meant to be a fun project. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers have varying attention spans and not all books will interest all readers. Sharing books together in the early years is about connection, book awareness, vocabulary, and play. It’s ok to just talk about the pictures or move on before you get to the end of the book. Just be sure to share those books with your child, whichever way works for both of you.

Does digital content (book apps or ebooks) count?
Yes, digital stories can be counted in the reading log. Some digital content is more of an activity or a game, rather than a story to be read. You may count it if the child listens to the entire story, but please don’t count it if they are only playing the games.

What about audiobooks?
Yes, you may count audiobooks or read alongs that your child listens to.

My child likes to move. They won’t sit still for a book.
This is, of course, totally normal. Young children like to explore and play. Reading aloud while they are playing nearby still builds their literacy and vocabulary skills as they hear new words said aloud. Singing a book can also be a great way to engage a young mover in a book.