Read 1,000 Books – Let Everyone Know!

Does 1,000 books sound unreachable? It’s not according to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a national program currently being offered to residents courtesy of the Colleyville Public Library. It is an achievement a lot of parents reach already and may not be aware they are doing so.

Reading to a child is one of the most important things a parent can do with their children and the Library joined forces with the 1,000 Books Foundation to bring this unique opportunity to the whole community just over 18 months ago.  

According to the program literature, if a parent or caregiver were to read just one book a day with their child, they would have read 365 books in one year.  In two years, that number would be 730, and 1,095 books read in three years.  Given the scenario that the average child starts kindergarten at about age 5, there is more than plenty of time to reach the 1,000 books goal.

The program is simple and easy to do. Parents can read any book to their child anytime, anywhere. You can even repeat the books (many times!) Parents can record their reading on the logs provided or the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app. Any time a book is read with or to your child, it counts. For example, those patrons enrolled in one of the Colleyville Library Story Time programs, the book(s) read in class, count as well. Bedtime stories, waiting for soccer practice to end, even listening to a book in the car or on any personal device – it all counts towards the 1,000 book goal.

For every 100 books read, parents can bring their logs in for a photo opportunity for their child. In addition, the child receives, ‘lots of encouragement,’ from our fabulous Youth Services Librarian and staff members. As parent and child progresses through the levels, rewards are available to children including the 100-level prize of a ‘Book Buddy.’ Other level rewards include plush animals, sports balls, playful rubber ducks, Play-Doh, coin purses and bouncy balls.

When parents and children reach 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the child will receive a Achievement Certificate and a book.

Sign up your child in person at the youth service desk or contact the Library at 817-503-1150.