1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Program

1,000 Books Before KindergartenWelcome to the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program! This program is free and was established to help promote reading to infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The Marlborough Public Library and the Early Childhood Center are teaming up to help parents get involved in the program. To register and to keep track of the books and minutes that you are reading to your child, please go to the Beanstack website or download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Participation

One of the best ways to encourage reading is to do it every day. Reading together helps develop important pre-literacy skills that provide a solid foundation for academics. Reading carries over into every subject in school, such as science and math. Here are the easy steps for participating in the 1,000 Books program:

  1. Read together.
  2. Keep track of book titles by logging them onto the Beanstack site.
  3. For every 100 books that you read with your child, your child can earn a small prize from the library, such as stickers, bookmarks, mini stuffed animals, bags and much more!

The program has no specific end date, so take your time and enjoy the experience with your child.

Milestones

As you and your child progress through the program, you'll be able to collect a variety of prizes. For every 100 books that you read, you'll earn a prize from the library. Here is a list of the milestones and prizes for your reference.

  • 25 books = Bookmark & Temporary Tattoo
  • 50 books = Sticker & Pencil
  • 100 books = Bendable Figurine
  • 200 books = Rubber Ducky
  • 300 books = Magic Color Scratch Ornament
  • 400 books = Mini Puzzle
  • 500 books = Small Animal Prism
  • 600 books = Animal Mask
  • 700 books = Mini Coloring Book & Book Bag
  • 800 books = Two Finger Puppets
  • 900 Books: I Love To Read Stuffed Puppy & a Free Book

  • 1000 Books: Backpack with School Supplies & Certificate

The Early Childhood Center also provides a variety of prizes, such as bracelets, stickers, a medal and an awards ceremony at the end of the school year to celebrate the achievement of reaching 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.

Reading Tips

  • Read together every day.
  • Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices. You may feel silly, but your child will love it.
  • Talk about what is happening in the story, point out things on the page and ask questions.
  • Tell and talk about stories, say nursery rhymes, and sing songs.
  • Point out the written word in signs or items.
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