Sterling Public Library offering "1000 Books Before Kindergarten"

Sterling Public Library is offering a new program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.  This new program encourages parents to read to their children.

Reading is such an essential building block in a child learning throughout their life that the library wanted to provide an opportunity to reinforce the importance of reading.

Research has found that the more children ages 0 – 5 hear books read to them, the more prepared they will be to learn to read when they reach kindergarten.  Reading aloud to children from the beginning creates the best environment for success in school.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program.  Simply register your child at Sterling Public Library.  Part of the registration includes getting a library card for your child. You will be given a packet with a log sheet for the first 100 books you and your child read.  The library has also included informational sheets for parents on pre-reading skills and early literacy practices.

Books can be read by anyone and count.  If you attend Story Time the books read each week can be logged or if you call Dial-a-Story this counts.  You can count a book more than once.  If your child has a favorite book that you read every night count it each time you read it.  You do not have to read library books, but we hope you will visit the library often to introduce your child to many books.

As the child completes each 100 books they will return to the library to record their success.  The child will receive a sticker to put on their log sheet for each level.  They will also be given a shape to put on the wall in the children’s area.  When a child completes 500 books they will receive a book bag provided by the Friends of the Library.  When they complete their 1000 books they will receive a book to keep which is provided by Kiwanis.  When the child has completed the 1000 books a picture of the child will be put on our Wall of Fame. 

The program is intended to be a fun time for both the child and parents.  Reading is a gift parents can give their children that will benefit them their whole lives.  For more information about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten visit or call Sterling Public Library at 522-2023.