The library announced Jan. 1 a new program to encourage families and kids to read – the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge.
The program is designed for children from birth through kindergarten and the goal is for families to read 1,000 books to their child before he or she starts kindergarten. The reading challenge was created by The 1,000 Books Foundation.
Lauren Campo-Pitz, assistant director of the library, said the library loves developing programs and reading challenges for all patrons but felt like the youngest ones needed something special.
“The 1,000 Books program gives us the perfect opportunity to bring together the love of reading with a tangible activity,” Pitz said. “A lot of libraries around the country participate in the program, and we felt like it was time that we joined as well. A committee of library staff members worked to make it happen.”
To participate in the challenge, families can visit the library’s Beanstack page at myscpl.beanstack.com or the Beanstack app, enroll in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, and log books.
Families can also register at any library location in the parish, where they can pick up a registration packet. The packet includes all the information about the challenge and additional resources such as the library’s weekly storytime schedule, information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and tips to build early literacy skills with children.
The Friends of the St. Charles Library purchased beginner reader books to be included in each registration packet.
The core philosophy behind the challenge is that the more words a child hears and the more books they encounter before formal schooling, the better prepared they are to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Families could read 1,095 books in three years by reading just one book a day. Families could complete the challenge in one year by reading three books a day.
Any book counts and books can be read more than once. Repetition is excellent for a child’s brain development.
Pitz said that for every 100 books read, kids will earn a milestone sticker and a small prize from the library’s treasure chest.
“The registration packet also includes a book log, which is an original design by our in-house graphic designer, Sarah Wicker,” Pitz said. “The book log has a beautiful map through the bayou to mark the milestone and completion stickers readers will earn during the program. It also contains gorgeous graphics and illustrations to encourage readers as they work toward their goal.”
Readers will earn a certificate when they complete the program and a car magnet to let everyone know that they read 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. They will also be honored at the library’s yearly party.
Pitz said the library plans to host an annual party that is open to anyone participating in the challenge.
“Participants that have completed the challenge in the calendar year will be invited as special guests and will receive a medal to honor their efforts,” Pitz said. “As we gain more readers, we expect the annual party to change and grow, but it will remain a long-lasting staple of the library system.”
She said she hopes the program encourages a love of family reading and a commitment to early literacy.
“Reading together encourages caregiver and child bonding while promoting lifelong learning,” she said. “Our little ones and their families deserve to be honored for their early efforts to make reading a priority in their home.”
The 1,000 Books Foundation developed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program and is open to any organization that would like to participate.
General information about the program can be found at www.myscpl.org/1000books.
