1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced reading program for parents or caregivers with children under the age of 5. It is a fun and engaging way to prepare your child for success in school and beyond.

Reading with your child is one of the most important things you can do to strengthen their language skills, build vocabulary, and develop a love for books and reading.

1000 books may sound like a lot, but we promise that it isn’t as hard as you might think!

3 books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books
10 books a week for 2 years = 1,040 books
1 book a day for 3 years = 1,095 books

You can read the same book over and over again, read in any language, and books read at storytimes count too!

How to Participate

Enroll

Ask for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten tracker at the Junior Services desk on the second floor of the Danbury Library.

Track Your Books

Use the provided tracker to color in a paw print for each book you read.

You can print the tracker using the link below.

Visit the Library

Earn rewards when you reach a star pawprint. Pick your prize up at the library.


Complete the Challenge

When you reach 1000 books, your child will receive a Danbury Library t-shirt.

If you would like to include a photo of your child for the website Wall of Fame, please send one to Christine Ranno at cranno@danburylibrary.org.

Be sure to complete the photo release form as well!

Photo Release Form


Wall of Fame


 


Book Recommendations

More BooksBooks in SpanishBilingual Books


Resource Recommendations

Khan Academy Kids

Engages kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills. Five whimsical, charming characters—including narrator Kodi Bear—guide kids through activities and stories. Ages 2-8.

Starfall

Starfall is a children’s website that teaches basic reading and writing skills. It teaches children how to read by using games and phonics. Pre- K to 3rd grade.

Sparkler

Sparkler is a mobile app that helps parents to check in on how their child (0-5) is doing against key milestones — and provides activities to spark their early learning.

Learn to Be

An organization that provides for free online tutoring nationwide.

Danbury School Readiness

Early Childhood Programs for Danbury preschool age children. They provide early childhood programs from 6 weeks and on.


If you have any questions about the 1000 Books program, please contact our Children’s Library Assistant Christine Ranno Call 203.797.4505 or email cranno@danburylibrary.org.

Email

Need help selecting books for your children? Contact Christine Furlo, the library’s Children’s Librarian! Call 203.797.4505 extension 7737 or email cfurlo@danburylibrary.org.

Email