Your Abilene Public Library is a huge proponent of early literacy in youth and starting September 1 we're launching the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative as a means of Growing Readers at an early age. All families who frequent the library will have the option to sign-up for this program as long as you have children between the ages of 0-5. This new program challenges parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books to their child before they enter kindergarten. By doing so this will promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers as well as encourage bonding between the child and parent through reading. Research shows that one in five children have problems learning to read and reading itself is an early indicator of the success your child will have in school. As a child’s formal education doesn’t begin until age five, parents and caregivers are the first sources of education for youth in their early years.
To participate in this program, parents may visit any branch location to pick up a registration form starting September 1. Once read, the parent may then complete the short registration section and return it back to the library. Remember, only youth between the ages of 0-5 may participate. Once registered, you may participate through the use of printed reading logs, or by using the program’s app. If using reading logs, staff will provide you with an information sheet and the first of five reading logs. Each will contain 200 stars and your job is to fill in each star for every book read. Reading a favorite book multiple times also counts as a book read for each time its read. When you complete the first 200 books, return your log to the library and your child will receive a bookmark and button marking their achievement. You’ll then receive the next reading log and you’ll follow the same process until all five logs are completed. Once finished, your child will also receive a certificate of completion and a bracelet to wear and show others in the community of your child’s accomplishment.
The second option to track your child’s success is by using the app. iOS and Android users may visit their app stores to search for and download the free app titled “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.” Register your child on the app and then track their books read through the app. For every 200 books tracked, visit your library to pick up your prinze incentives along the way until you’ve completed all 1,000 titles.
Plus, this new program also goes hand-in-hand with the United Way of Abilene’s funding of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Available to all Taylor County families with children between the ages of 0-5, this program will connect your household with quality children’s books for free. By registering at the library, or visiting the library’s website at www.abilenetx.gov/apl, your child will receive a free book in the mail every month until they reach the age of five. These books will be great for including on your reading list for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, as well as building a personal library for your child.
If you need additional information about this program, feel free to visit your library and speak with staff or contact program coordinator Tremain Jackson via email at tremain.jackson@abilenetx.gov. Parents are their child’s first teacher. Make your home a place of learning as research shows that children get ready to read long before they enter school. Take advantage of these great reading programs through your library and give your child every opportunity for academic success possible. Happy reading!