1000 Books Before School
The 1000 Books Before School program is a fantastic initiative for supporting early childhood literacy
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." - author Emilie Buchwald.
The special relationship between parent and child means that children will develop a love of language and story as they are read to each day. The gains for essential early literacy habits are immense as research from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has proven a causal effect between the frequency of reading to a child and his or her development, but have also for the first time measured the benefits.
It is easy for your child to get a library card so they can register. Staff at our library branches can help you get started.
Children four to five years old who are read to three to five times a week have the same reading ability as children six months older (who are read to only twice or less a week). Reading to children six to seven days a week puts them almost a year ahead of those who are not read to.
Download your printout to help you keep track at home
Books read, shared or listened to all count!
These include:
- Books borrowed from the Ku-ring-gai Libraries.
- Books heard through our Storytime programs.
- Stories accessed via the Storybox electronic library.
- Books from your own home library.
Explore our children's digital library for these resources and more
Why is the 1000 Books Before School program important to join?
- The library is a recognised pathway to life-long learning and prosperity in the communities they serve.
- It’s at the core of our services to provide opportunities for children to enjoy reading.
- Early literacy is a key component for educational success.
- Reading with children is a great way to encourage a life-long love of reading and help prepare children for school.
- It’s achievable! If you read 1 book a day, you can finish in less than 3 years and you read 3 books a day, and you can finish in less than 1!
Frequently asked questions
From what age can children participate?
Any age between birth to 5 years, the earlier you start the more time you have to complete the program.
What do we need to register?
Your child will need their own library card to participate in the program. You can sign them up at any of our library branches or online. Staff can help you get enrolled for 1000 Books and provide you with the starter reading records and program information.
How do we keep track of our books read?
You will get a reading record for each block of 100 books, your child can sticker, stamp or colour in each segment for every book read.
Are there any rewards for being a part of 1000 Books Before School?
When you have read your first 100 books, you will receive a bag with the program mascot.
For each 100-book milestone read after that, you will receive a green-coloured sticker that can be stuck onto the bag. Small stickers and stamps will be given along the way as well.