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.
How to Participate
Ask for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten folder at the Junior Services desk on the second floor of the Danbury Library.
The folder contains a tracker page, sticker log, coloring sheets, and early literacy tips and tricks.
Use the provided tracker to color in a circle for each book you read.
You can print additional tracker sheets using the link below.
After reading your first 100 books, your child can join our Wall of Fame outside of the Story Corner.
They will ascend the book tower and earn a sticker for each 100 book milestone they meet!
Complete the Challenge
When you reach 1000 books, your child will receive a certificate of achievement.
If you would like to include a photo of your child for the Wall of Fame, please send one to Lesely Lema at llema@danburylibrary.org.
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!
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 Program Coordinator Lesley! Call 203.797.4505 extension 7738 or email llema@danburylibrary.org.
Need help selecting books for your children? Contact Christine, the library’s Children’s Librarian! Call 203.797.4505 extension 7737 or email cfurlo@danburylibrary.org.