The Perth & District Union Public Library has launched a new self-directed program, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, to help children from birth to age five develop early reading skills.
The program encourages parents to read daily with their children, tracking each book along the way. Families receive log sheets, earn stickers every 100 books, and celebrate with a free book upon reaching 1,000.
Children benefit from early literacy skills, including letter recognition and vocabulary building. “Reading a thousand books might sound daunting, but it’s very do-able,” said Children’s Librarian Heidi Taber. Reading just one book a night can complete the challenge in under three years, or three books a night can reach 1,000 in a year.
Log sheets are available for pickup at the Perth & District Union Public Library or download them from their website at www.perthunionlibrary.ca/1000books.