1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program suitable for infants and children aged up to five years old.
Books from home, the library, story times, playgroups, and childcare all count towards your tally.
Encourage your child to develop a love of reading, while opening up the world of language and stories to help develop the skills needed for success at school and beyond.
It’s easy:
- Read three books a day to reach 1000 books in less than a year.
- Read one book a day to reach 1000 books in less than three years.
- Read one book each weekday to reach 1000 books in four years.
Visit your local Cumberland City Council Library branch to pick up your free starter pack.
FAQs
Why is early literacy so important?
Reading to and with young children is an excellent opportunity to connect and bond with them. Reading books every day helps your child’s development in many ways. Reading and storytelling can:
- Help your child get to know sounds, words, and language and develop early literacy skills
- Introduce your child to the value of books and stories
- Spark your child’s imagination and curiosity
- Promote your child’s brain development and ability to focus and concentrate
- Help your child build social, communication and emotional skills
- Help your child learn about the world, their own culture, and other cultures.
How does the program work?
- Register online or at your local Cumberland City Council library where you can pick up a free starter pack.
- Use the provided tracker to record the number of books read. Children can colour in, stamp, or place a sticker for each book you read together
- For every 100 books read, visit your local Cumberland City Council Library to receive a sticker to celebrate the milestone.
- At 1000 books, it’s time to celebrate! Visit your local Cumberland City Council Library to receive a special goodie and certificate!
How can I access books?
- Visit your local Cumberland City Council Library and borrow the many quality books that they have available.
- Story Box Library
- Tumble Book Library
- BorrowBox
- Libby
- Attend Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, Storytime, or Bush School
- Community Reading Boxes