1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an ongoing program run by the Morrill Memorial Library to promote reading to young children from birth to age 5.  Reading promotes bonding between caregiver and child, boosts vocabulary, and prepares children for school.  Ages 0-5 are critical years for absorbing information and building the preliteracy skills they will need once school begins.  This program is designed to promote these skills through manageable chunks over a span of a several years.  Reading a few books a night will get you to your goal!

How It Works

Beanstack is our online component that allows parents and kids to log reading from a computer OR a mobile device. To log on the go, download the FREE Beanstack Tracker app for your iOS or Android phone or tablet. The app is easy to use and allows one adult to register multiple children without switching accounts. 

Milestones

Every child who registers for our program will receive a keepsake bracelet and a Reading Superstar Brag Tag. For every 100 books you read together, you can come in and get another Brag Tag to mark the occasion! Keep them on your library tote bag or backpack! And when you get to 1,000, you'll get an extra special Kindergarten patch. 

FAQs

What books count toward the program?

Any reading your family does AFTER you register your child for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten "counts"! Reading can also include listening to audiobooks, re-reading old favorites,  reading the same book multiple times, and listening to an older sibling read a book. 

Do I (or my child) need a library card to participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?

No. You don't need a library card to participate in our program, but we do think library cards open the door to lifelong learning. If you'd like to get a card, please register online here and then come into the library to pick up your card!

Do we have to read library books or choose titles from a certain list?

Nope! You can read any books you have! Of course, the library has tons of books to help you expand your reading horizons. If you need help finding great books to read, please email the staff or check out our suggested reading lists we've uploaded to Beanstack.

Can my school-aged child register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?

This program is open to any child who is not yet enrolled in Kindergarten, ages 0 - 6. If you have older children who want to join in, they can always encourage their younger siblings who are enrolled by helping them choose books or read stories aloud to them. 

Do I have to log our reading online?

Beanstack and the companion Beanstack Tracker mobile app are the easiest ways to log reading. If you would like to use a paper log instead, there is a paper log in your Welcome Bag or you can download below.