The single most important thing you can do to prepare your children to read is to read to them every day. Research proves that children need to hear 1000 books before they begin to learn to read independently. Reading to children will increase their vocabulary and their listening and narrative skills. Reading with children will also help to instill in them self-awareness, confidence and an understanding of their place in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions:

HOW CAN I READ 1000 BOOKS?  It’s easy!

One book a day for three years=1000

Three books a day for one year=1000

Ten books a week for two years=1000

WHAT COUNTS?  Everything! Every book you read counts every time you read it! Books your child hears at Storytime count. Books that others read to your child count. It all counts!

Our Books-to-Go bags, as part of our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program, is an easy way to check out a bunch of books at one time. Each one of our bags is filled with 10 books – and we have 50 bags … that’s 500 books for you to start with! The other 500 books can be other books within the library collection, your personal library of books, or re-reads of books within the Books-to-Go bags. At the front desk, we’ll keep track of how many books you’ve read.

WHERE CAN I SIGN UP? Sign up in at the Newbury Public Library Check Out Desk. We will give you sheets to help you keep count of the first 100 books. When you finish reading 100 books, come back to the library for another set of sheets and a prize. We will celebrate all who finish reading 1000 books!

WHEN CAN I SIGN UP? Today! Any child up to the age of five can sign up. Email us today or stop by the library during our open hours to start  making your way through our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program!