1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Read Around Wisconsin
About 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
What is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?
A family reading challenge preparing kids for school (and success).
The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is more than just a national reading challenge—it’s an opportunity for caregivers to play a vital role in their child’s educational journey.
Sharing books together helps families cultivate early literacy skills and strengthen their relationships. Reading together also promotes a lifelong love of learning and reading.
The goal is simple: read 1,000 books before the child starts kindergarten.
How long does it take to read 1,000 books?
- 1 Book per day = about three years
- 3 Books per day = about 1 year
Why should we participate?
It’s beneficial for you and your child.
- Children gain essential pre-reading skills and a love for books.
- The bond between the child and whoever consistently reads to them gets stronger.
“Early literacy is about more than words; it’s about connection. When caregivers read aloud to children, they’re building trust and nurturing relationships while exposing kids to language, sounds, and visuals. That combination is critical for setting children up for success in school and life.
What are the program features?
It’s 100% free: There is no cost to participate. Even library cards are free.
Simple Tracking Tools: Participants receive paper reading logs to track progress.
Expert Guidance: Library staff can provide literacy tips, book recommendations, and encouragement.
Fun and Engaging Events: The library offers storytimes, a summer reading program, and other events throughout the year.
Prizes and Milestones: Families celebrate their progress with rewards at key benchmarks, making the journey even more exciting.
Exclusive Read Around Wisconsin Theme: Learn fun facts about Wisconsin.
Who can participate?
All children not yet in kindergarten can participate.
Free and open to all families.
How do we get started?
In Person:
Stop by the service desk at your favorite public library and ask to join the program.
How does it work?
Each child will receive a reading log.
Track every book read or reread.
All 100 times you reread a favorite book count.
If you’re participating in a summer reading program or other library reading challenge, those books count toward the 1,000 Books challenge too!
Log the books others read to your child, too (grandparents, daycare, siblings, storytime, etc.)!
Once a log is completed, return it to the library to exchange it for the next reading log and any incentives reached.
Incentive prizes are awarded throughout the program, with a grand prize awaiting those who reach 1,000 books. Incentives vary by library.
Do I need a library card?
No, but we recommend each family have one.
- Many of our public libraries are now fine free.
- Some libraries offer youth cards with limited checkouts.
- Many of our libraries offer cards for easy access that do not require proof of address.
Need a Library Card?
Library cards are free for Wisconsin residents!* To get a card, adults should bring a photo ID and proof of address (e.g., a utility bill or piece of business mail) to the library and speak with any staff member. All 24 libraries in the SHARE consortium accept each other’s cards. You can checkout and return materials at any combination of our libraries–that’s nearly 30 libraries across Kenosha, Rock, Racine, and Walworth counties.
*Note: Milwaukee County residents may incur a small fee for library cards issued outside their county.
Staff Resources
Canva Tools for Libraries
Use your PLLS’ Canva account to access these materials. Please contact PLLS’ Programming Coordinator, Kate Davis for more information.