1000 Books Before Kindergarten
(Building Readers One Book at a Time)
Frequently Asked Questions
or
How the Program Works
Why 1000 books?
- Research shows the more children ages 0—5 hear books read to them, the more ready they will be to learn to read upon entering Kindergarten.
- Reading aloud is a great way for you to serve as your child’s first and best teachers.
- The Carol Stream Public Library wants to help you make sure your children are ready for learning when they start school.
Who can join 1000 Books?
- Children who live in Carol Stream who have not yet started Kindergarten.
What is needed to sign up?
- A Carol Stream Public Library card is all that’s needed to register your child.
- Residents in Carol Stream, please speak with a Youth Services Librarian about participating.
How does the program work?
- Once registered online you can start keeping track of the books you read with your child. Your child will also receive a book to keep just for registering.
- To enter titles on your log, you can type them in or just scan the ISBN on the back of the book.
- For every 100 books read, your child will receive another book for their home library!
- Once your child reaches the 1000 book goal, a bookplate will be added to a new book in the Library’s collection honoring your child’s achievement.
What do schools say about the 1000 Books Program?
- Schools know that reading aloud is one of the best ways to help children develop the literacy skills they will need to become successful readers.
- Area schools are actively promoting participation in the program.
Do all the books we read have to come from the Library?
- No, you are not required to log titles that are from the Library (but regular Library visits are encouraged.)
Can we record the same book more than once?
- Yes! Repeated readings of a book help children develop reading readiness skills, so the same book can be logged multiple times (but reading a variety of books is encouraged, too.)
Do books read at story time or preschool count?
- Yes! Books read to your child at any time and by any one should be added to your list.
- Check out story time and preschool favorites to read at home.
What if my child listens to a story on a computer or other electronic device?
- Audio books or electronic/computer games that read stories to the child can be logged if the child listens to the story in its entirety (but person to person sharing is best.)
What if my child is also registered for the summer reading program offered at the Library?
- Books read for summer reading program also count for the 1000 Books program.
Should we try to teach our child to read when reading aloud?
- Read aloud for the joy of sharing stories and spending time with your child.
- The learning will happen on its own as your child begins to recognize letters, rhymes, etc., simply from hearing how language works.
When does the 1000 Books program end and do we have to stop when we reach 1000 books?
- Although free book rewards end at 1000 books or the start of kindergarten, whichever comes first, reading together as a family never has to stop.
- Once children begin Kindergarten, they can complete the current log sheet they are working on and receive the incentive for that level. Children can transition to the Library’s Super Readers Club program and of course join our Summer Reading program.