1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Welcome to the McHenry Public Library & Friends of the McHenry Public Library’s
1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM!


 

Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost their brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.

The McHenry Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success!

 

How do I Register?

Stop by the Library's Questions Desk and ask to sign up your child in the program.

This program is for children who have not yet entered kindergarten and a family member must be a McHenry Public Library cardholder. 

What Next?

Now that you’ve registered your child, just follow these steps:

  1. Read with your child.
  2. Track Your Reading. As you read, fill in the circles on your reading log. Write down your favorites. Even if your child wants to hear the same book, again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member.
  3. 100-Book Milestones. Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading log into the library and get a reward and your next reading log. After your first 100, you will also receive a free tote bag.  
  4. 1,000 Books. You did it! Come to the library and receive a free book. You are also invited to our library’s annual recognition ceremony, which will be held on the first Friday of August.

One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than 3 years. If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year! Ask our friendly staff for suggestions—we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Reading Logs

Print out reading logs at home to keep track of the books read before your next trip to the library. All book logs must be turned into the Questions Desk in person to redeem prizes. 

 

"1,000 Books Before Kindergarten”
program is sponsored in part by the
Friends of the McHenry Public Library and Culver’s of McHenry.