A newborn baby has about 2000 days until the first day of kindergarten
Reading with your baby, toddler, or preschooler is one of the best ways to help them become a lifelong reader. Studies show that reading regularly with your young child stimulates brain development and strengthens a parent’s relationship with their child. Taking part in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages family bonding while your child develops the skills they’ll need to succeed in school.
Track your child’s reading progress using our reading program site, Beanstack. Register yourself and your child by filling out some basic information, and then you can sign up for East Longmeadow Public Library reading programs including 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. All children birth to 5 can sign up for the program. Click here to go to Beanstack now!
Use your Beanstack account to log the books your family reads. You can also record the books you read on a paper tracking sheet you can pick up at the library. Once your tracking sheet is full, bring it to the Children’s Department.
Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in library storytimes, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member. If you need good books to read, start with these suggestions from the 1000 Books Foundation.
Register: When you register for the program on our Beanstack site you will receive a free Book Prize.
100 Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, contact the library to get a prize from our Treasure Chest.
1000 Books: You did it! Contact us, and receive a prize pack, a certificate, and be added to our 1000 Book Wall of Fame. Your family can pick up earned prizes from the Children’s Department
Ask our friendly staff for book suggestions – we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!
Visit the East Longmeadow Public Library often for free programs that are fun and educational for your little one and to find great books to share with your child.
Build literacy skills by singing songs, saying rhymes, telling stories, and playing with your child.
Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead!