Setting children on the path to success…one book at a time

Families are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Batesville Memorial Public Library. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a nationwide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their children. By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000 book goal in three years and provide their children with essential early literacy skills.

Research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Most importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading.

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is available to all families with children between the ages of birth and five years and is available at no cost to you.

How To Participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

• Pick up a registration folder at the BMPL front desk or download the Beanstack App
• Record your reading on a paper tracking sheet or online in Beanstack. 
• Books can be from your home or the Public Library and can be read repeatedly. If you read The Very Hungry Caterpillar five times, that counts for 5 books!
• After completing each 100 books, return to the Library to receive a progress sticker.
• Prizes will be awarded for levels of 300, 500, 700 and 1,000 books read.

You can listen to stories together at our Mother Goose or Storytimes at the library.

You can also check out e-book picture books and read alongs from home using your Library Card. 

For more information about BMPL’s early learning programs, or if you need more help, call or stop by and speak with one of our staff members.