Bedford Free Library introduces 1000 Books Before Kindergarten!

This is an early literacy challenge designed to promote reading to infants and toddlers. It is a fun way to encourage adults and children to read together and help children develop tools they need to become ready for reading in Kindergarten.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics “The first 3 years of life is the most intensive period for speech and language development. Reading, talking, and singing regularly with young children from birth stimulates brain development. This stimulation in turn builds language, literacy and a child’s motivation to learn.”

The goal is to read 1000 books before Kindergarten. The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Spend time reading with your child every day. Everything you read together counts – even reading your child’s favorite book over and over again. Repetition is important, it helps to develop and expand early literacy skills. All books count: you can count books your child hears at storytime,(virtual or in person) at preschool, as well as reading with a sibling, caregiver and grandparents. It all adds up quickly!

How Does it Work?

• Visit the Children’s Desk to Register
• Choose a free book from the basket to begin your adventure together with your child
• Take home a Reading Log and write down the titles that you read (you can include the book you read over and over again, just write down the title every time you read it to your child)
• After the log is complete (25 books) turn it in at the Children’s Desk at the Library and you will receive a sticker in your log book (kept at the Children’s Desk) and take home another log to track the next 25 books
• Once you have reached the 1000 books goal, you will receive a certificate and a Library tote!