March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 40 F

AACPL throws down challenge: 1000 books before kindergarten

Just in time for the new school year, the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) today launched a new early literacy initiative specifically designed to aid kindergarten readiness. Called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the program encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their children before they enter kindergarten.

“Reading to and with young children builds critical language skills and increases vocabulary- both important tools for learning to read,” said Hampton “Skip” Auld, library chief executive officer. The library is dedicated to building lifelong readers and this is one way to help parents and caregivers create a culture of reading.”

Participating in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is easy.  Register online using the Anne Arundel County Public Library app or set up a Beanstack account at aacpl.beanstack.org. Beanstack is a customized online app, which engages readers by sending weekly book recommendations that match a child’s interests and background. You can also register for the program at any library location.

Each time you read a book with your child, log it on your Beanstack account or paper reading log. After 25 books, visit a library to pick up a small prize. When you reach the 100 books mark, bring in your reading log to get a tote bag to carry all the books you’re reading! At each subsequent 100-book level, you can visit the library for a sticker. When you reach 1,000 books read, you’ll receive a new book to take home.

“This program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If a parent or caregiver reads just one book a day to a child from birth, the child reach more than 1,000 books by age three,” said Rebecca Hass, AACPL program and outreach manager.

To get started and learn more about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, visit www.aacpl.net/1kbbk.

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