1000 Books Before Kindergarden

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1,000 Books before Kindergarten is a self-paced early literacy program that encourages parents to read 1,000 books with their children before they start kindergarten.

Research shows that reading together is one of the best ways for children to build their vocabularies, increase social and emotional development, learn key literacy skills, and helps to guide them towards a lifelong love of reading.

By reading one book each day together, your child will have read 365 books. If you read three books a day for one year, you will have read 1,095 books!

Joining is Easy

It’s free to join! Any child from birth to kindergarten can participate.

Just register your child on Beanstack. Follow the prompts and you will be signed up in no time! If you have already participated in the Summer Reading Program at the library, just make sure you join the 1,000 Books challenge. You can also install the Beanstack app on your personal devices for portable access.

Beanstack will keep track of all your reading progress for you.

A World of Books

What books can you and your child read? You can read any books! Library books, books you have at home, books with no words, e-books, books from storytime, or even the same book over and over again! The most important part is reading aloud together.

Reading is important, because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.

- Tomie dePaola

Rewards

Along the road to reach the 1,000 book goal your child can earn prizes. Upon signing up, you can come to the library and pick up a free magnet and sticker chart.

At every 100 books read, your child can earn a sticker, which they can place on their sticker chart. Prizes will also be awarded at 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, and 1,000 books read. Just come into any Riverside Public Library to pick up your prizes.

Super Star Readers

Do you know a reader over five who could help your little one reach their 1,000 book goal? Just use the Beanstack app and keep track of the books that they read to your little one in the Super Star Reader challenge. After 50 titles are logged they too can earn a prize! Just visit the library to collect the prize. Each older reader is eligible to receive one prize during their reading journey.

Wall of Fame

At the completion of the program, your child will receive a Kindergarten ready kit, a certificate of completion, and they can take their picture at the library and have it featured here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a library card to participate?

No. 1,000 Books is free and you do not need to have a card to join.

Should the Beanstack account be registered under my name or my child’s?

Please register with your child’s name. Beanstack will not allow anyone over the age of 5 to join this program.

Can I count books I read to my child before I registered?

The program begins the day you register. But you can read the books again. Just make sure to log it into the Beanstack app.

Who can collect a prize for a reader?

Nana, Papa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Auntie can all come with your reader to collect prizes.

Can my child listen to books on the computer?

Yes. Audiobooks and ebooks both count for this program.

Do the books need to be library books?

Any book will work whether they are library books or books that you have at home.

Helpful Resources:

There is so much for you and your child to explore on their reading journey. This section contains information on library resources, booklists, and some additional resources about storytimes, reading, and development.

Storytimes -The library offers many wonderful storytimes, both virtually and in person! See what is offered in your neighborhood library or try all the locations!

Toy Lending Library and Storytime to Go kits -Check out one of the toys from the library or our Storytime to Go kits. These collections have been curated by library staff and are located at every library. Check our catalog or ask a staff member for availability.

RPL’s Virtual Programs -Visit the library’s Youtube page here. You will find virtual programs, including storytimes, for the whole family to enjoy.

Reading Lists -There are so many great books, but if you are looking for a little help, here are some lists to guide you: