1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Get your child ready to read by sharing books together! Studies show that children who are read to from birth have stronger language skills and better vocabularies — two essential tools for when children begin learning to read. Reading together is also an excellent bonding opportunity. You will create lifelong memories as you help your child build early literacy skills.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide challenge to read 1,000 books with your little one before they start kindergarten. This special program for kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers is an easy way to get kids ready to learn and read by sharing books.

If you read just one book a night, you will reach more than 1,000 books after three years and you will earn prizes throughout the program.

How It Works

Keep Track

Track the books you read in a reading log:

• Download a reading log, or pick up a free reading log at any Ada Community Library or Boise Public Library location! Meridian Library District locations will be participating starting September 2025.
• Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, or toddler! For every book read, color or check off the picture of the book in your reading log.
• Don’t forget to count the books others read to your child — including siblings, teachers, and other family members! Stories read to your child at daycare/preschool, at library storytimes, or at a grandparent’s house count, too! And remember, if you read the same book over and over again, it counts each time!

Earn Prizes

Your child earns a prize after each 100 books that you read together!

• Visit any Ada Community Library or Boise Public Library location to claim a prize. Meridian Library District locations will be participating starting September 2025.
• Once you reach the 1,000 book reading goal, visit any location to receive your grand prize!

This program is in partnership with Ada Community Library and Meridian Library District.