1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

What is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?

Encourage your young child to love books and ensure they are reading ready by joining the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program.

Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most potent ways to boost brainpower? That’s why the Livingston Parish Library is pleased to offer 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. This simple, fun, and free early literacy program starts your child on the path to learning success. And, yes, anyone can read 1000 books before kindergarten. Even if you read only one book a day, you’ll reach your goal in three years. If you read three books each day, you’ll complete the program in just a year. You can read 1,000 different books or the same book 1,000 times. The goal is to read with your child and start developing the reading skills they will need when entering kindergarten.

How to Participate

Registration for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is open now!
Families can register for the early literacy program online or by visiting any library branch. Collect your registration prize from any of our five locations.
Any time you read a book to your child, log it in Beanstack online or using the free Beanstack Tracker app. (Available when the program launches in January 2022)
When you and your child reach milestones in the program, come into your library to receive rewards and take a commemorative photo.

Attend Milestone Meetings in January, April, and October so your child can learn a fun early literacy concept and collect prizes. Use our photo booth and props to capture memories of your child’s milestones.
Celebrate your child’s accomplishments at our 1,000 Books Bash in July, where we celebrate literacy and honor all of our participants.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Who can participate?

Any child aged zero (0) through five (5) who has not yet entered kindergarten.

How long will the program take to complete

The program is self-paced, and the length will depend on how often you read with your child.

How many of my children can participate?

All of your children, provided they meet the required age, can participate.

What if my child wants to read the same book over and over?

Repetition is an essential part of early literacy. Each time you read a book, it counts. Write down the title every time you read the same book.

Do we have to read books from Livingston Parish Library?

You can read books from anywhere, such as your home, the doctor’s office, preschool, or other libraries.

Grandma, babysitter, siblings, etc. reads to my child. Does that count?

Of course! Any books read to or by your child counts. If you attend a storytime at any branch of the LPL, those titles also count towards your log.

Do I have to join this program at a specific time?

No, you can start at any time of the year.

Can I count books read at Library Storytimes?

Absolutely! Anyone who reads an entire book to your child counts.

Can I count eBooks read to my child?

Yes, e-books are a great on-the-go option. We recommend BookFlix, TumbleBook, and Hoopla. Hoopla has a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten e-book collection with over 200 recommended titles.

Benefits of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Research demonstrates that talking, singing, writing, playing, and reading with your young child builds language skills. Starting to read to your child early promotes healthy development, equips your child to succeed in school, and develops a lifelong love of reading. Create a book-rich environment at home and talk to your child about what you read together. You’re sowing seeds that will grow for a lifetime.

Here's what you gain:

A Jumpstart on your child’s education that will return dividends.
A Reward System that makes each milestone exciting.
A Support Network of like-minded individuals.
An Opportunity to bond with your child through shared stories.

Tips for Reading to your Child

Children learn best when they are in a good mood, so read with your child when the experience will be the most pleasurable for both of you. Have fun!
Take every chance you have to read with your children, tell and talk about stories, say nursery rhymes, sing songs and attend library programs. Remember, books read during storytimes at your local library branch count towards your total.
Expose your children to a variety of different types of stories and vocabulary. It is expected for children, especially young children, to have their favorite books they want to hear over and over. But when you have the opportunity, introduce new stories so your child has a chance to experience and hear as many new words and concepts as possible.