1000 Books Before Kindergarten

What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten? 

Inspired by the1000 Books Foundation, the Hastings Public Library developed a unique 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (1000BBK) program for children from infancy until they enter kindergarten.  1000BBK is a free program to encourage parents to start reading to their children starting as newborns. 

Shared interactive reading is the single most important activity to prepare children to learn to read. "Research shows that sharing books, conversations, and songs with young children builds language skills. This type of sharing contributes to children’s healthy development, encourages parent and child bonding, provides skills children need to succeed in school, and helps assure they become lifelong lovers of books." Davenport Public Library (c. 2023). 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. 

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a great program to put children on the path to success!

View/Print 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Brochure [PDF] | View/Print 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Information Page [PDF]

How do I enroll?

 
Joining 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is easy. All you need is a library card for your child and to register at the 2nd floor information desk or you may download the Beanstack tracker app to create a reader profile. 
 
The Beanstack app's easy-to-use ISBN scan feature allows you to scan the books directly into your reading log. You can also manage all the readers in your family in one account. After you’ve registered through Beanstack, be sure to visit the 2nd floor desk to claim your tote and first book! 
 
Don't have a library card? No problem! Visit our online catalog and click “Sign Up” to complete the online form, or stop by the library to apply.  For more information, visit the  Apply for a Library Card page.

How does it work? 

Upon signing up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, your child will receive a free book, tote bag, and reading log. Anything read to your child counts, whether it is a book read by another person, or you’re re-reading a favorite story. Just be sure to track the titles in Beanstack or in the reading log!

The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read to your child. If you read to your child one book every day, the program will take just under three years.

For every 50 books read, your child earns a free book. Upon completion of this program, your child will have 21 new books for their home library! 
 
For every 100 books read, each child will receive a button inspired by the paper reading log and a gift certificate to a local restaurant. 
 
When you’ve met a milestone, stop by the desk on the 2nd floor to receive your prizes. If you are tracking your books using the paper reading log, please bring it along to show your progress. 

A graduation ceremony will be held at least once a year to celebrate the children that have completed the program. Along with a completion certificate, each child’s name will be engraved on an acrylic leaf that will be affixed to 1000 Books Before Kindergarten tree on the 2nd floor.