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Share the love of reading with your child! Visit any Buncombe County Public Library to start participating in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program launching Aug. 12.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide initiative that encourages grown-ups to read 1,000 books with their young child (ages birth-five) before they enter kindergarten.
Studies show, a child’s brain develops rapidly in the first three years of their life. Reading with a child early on can help them develop pre-reading skills that will make it easier for them to read independently in school. Families who read to their children from a young age can help their child build early literacy skills such as letter recognition and building vocabulary.
Beginning Aug. 12, families with a child between the ages of birth to five can pick up a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten booklet at any Library location. Caregivers record the titles of the books read to their child in the booklet. Early literacy tips are found at the top of each page for caregivers to model to their child. When you reach the “500 books read” milestone, return to any BCPL location with your booklet to receive a free canvas tote bag and continue your reading journey. When you reach the “1,000 books read” milestone, you’ve completed the program. Return to the Library for your completion certificate. Children have until they enter kindergarten to complete the program.
Launch party
On Saturday, Aug. 12, join the Library for a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten launch party. Children’s music band Big, Bang, Boom! will headline. Enjoy games, crafts, puppets and so much more! Refreshments will be served. Families with children under five can pick up a reading log booklet to get started. This free event will be Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 am – noon at the East Asheville Library.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Youth Services Manager Megan Northcote via email at megan.northcote@buncombecounty.org. We can’t wait to get your little ones started on this exciting reading journey!