Scottsdale Public Library - 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun, early literacy program that challenges families with young children to read 1000 books together before they start kindergarten. It is an independent, self-paced program designed to develop and encourage the development of a strong literacy foundation. By reading with your child every day or engaging in early learning moments, you can help put your child on a trajectory for success with reading. The program is free, but the rewards are priceless!

About the Program:

For every book you read (repeats count), your child can color in a cactus on the reading log. You can also count ‘Early Learning Moments’ like singing a song, doing a fingerplay, or writing with sidewalk chalk.

Sign-Up and check out books at the Scottsdale Public Library.
Get a tracking form and start coloring in one space for every book read or ‘Early Learning Moment’ shared.
Bring the log to the Scottsdale Public Library to track your books/moments and see if your child qualifies for an incentive. (Incentive levels – 100, 300, 600, 1000 cacti)

Registration

Click here to register and get started! Register here!

Early Literacy Moments to Share

Click on the pages to download and start sharing moments.

50 Moments - English

50 Moments - Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why 1000 books before kindergarten?
Sharing books and stories is important for a child’s brain development and the most important predictor of school success is being read to at home prior to entering kindergarten.

Can we really read that many books before kindergarten?
Yes! If you read one book a day you can complete the program within three years.

Can other people read to my child besides me?
Stories read by parents, grandparents, older siblings, caregivers, etc. all count. You can also count books read at the storytimes you participate in!

Can I count the same book more than once?
Repetition is important to learning AND you can count that book each time you read it with your child.

When is the deadline to finish reading 1000 books?
This is an on-going, independent program but to reach your goal with this program your books must be completed before your child starts kindergarten.

Who can participate in this program?
Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten can participate. The program will take from a few months to a few years, depending on how often you read together.

How old does my child have to be to participate?
There is no minimum age to participate. This program is for children from birth to not yet in kindergarten.