1000 Books Before Kindergarten
On behalf of the Plainsboro Public Library and the 1000 Books Foundation, we invite you to participate in this free program which encourages you to read 1000 books with your newborn, toddler, or preschool child before he or she starts kindergarten. This program is designed for children from birth to age 5.
We hope the 1000 Books program instills a love of reading and an appreciation of the library in you and your child.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is run through Beanstack. You can find information about Beanstack and sign up for our reading programs on our YouTube page.
Program Overview
The concept is simple; the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your child starts kindergarten.
If you read just one book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in 2 years and 1095 books in 3 years. Considering that most children start kindergarten at around five years of age, you have more time than you think.
How to Participate
- You have two options for participation. You can participate online at Plainsborolibrary.beanstack.org, where you can sign up for the program. If you have already used Beanstack with us before, you do not need to make a new account.
- Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with your child provides an excellent opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for both of you.
- When you finish 100 books, return to Beanstack to log your reading to receive a badge. Or return to the library when you complete a log, and we will provide you with a new one.
Introduction to Beanstack
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in this program?
Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten can participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. You can begin the program at any time.
How long will the program take?
The program is self-paced. How often you read with your child will determine how quickly you progress. It can take a few months or a few years.
What books count?
Any book read to your child by you, family members, caregivers, teachers, or library staff at our storytimes count. Ebooks and audiobooks also count. Apps that tell or read stories can also count. You may repeat books, so feel free to revisit favorites that your child loves.
How many of my children can participate?
All of them (provided they have not yet started kindergarten). Make it even more fun and read as a family! If you read to more than one child at once, the books count for all of them.