?Join us on a journey to literacy and read 1,000 books with your children before they enter kindergarten! Earn prizes and recognition as you read!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 bond with your child and serve as your child’s first and best teachers. Southwest Public Libraries 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 the Southwest City School district that have not yet started Kindergarten.
What is needed to sign up?
Your child’s name and age, as well as some contact information for you or your child’s trusted adult.
How does the program work?
Once registered through Readsquared, you can start keeping track of the books you read with your child. There is no need to record specific titles (though you may if would like). Each book will be logged as 1 point on the logging form. Milestone prizes will be available at the 100, 500, and 1000 marks! At all other 100-mark milestones, you child will be able to add their name to the appropriate portion of the display!
Do all the books we read have to come from the Library?
No. While we encourage you join us here at your local SWPL branch, you are not required to log titles that are from the Library.
Can we record the same book more than once?
Yes! Though we encourage reading a variety of books, repeated readings of a book help children identify letters and writing patterns and develop reading readiness skills.
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.
What if my child listens to a story on a computer or other electronic device?
Though we encourage 1-on-1 reading, audio books that read stories to the child count, as well.
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! We encourage you to record books for both programs.
When does the 1000 Books program end and do we have to stop when we reach 1000 books?
Although rewards end at 1000 books or the start of kindergarten, whichever comes first, reading together as a family never has to stop