Polk County Library launched the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge campaign in September 2018, enrolling 20 children at the kick-off. The challenge is simple, read 1,000 books with your children, tracking the number of books, and reporting to the library team after each 100 books. The children receive stickers and small prizes for each 100-book milestone. 

The objectives of the program are to promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers and to encourage parent and child bonding through reading. The library team’s goal is to provide an innovative yet fun approach to establishing strong early literacy skills, helping young children gain the confidence necessary to become strong readers.  

 

Numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read. Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success. Public formal education does not typically start until ages 4-6. Before then, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the 0-5 early critical years.  

 

Jen Pace Dickenson, Youth Librarian at Polk County Public Libraries approached leadership at Partnership for Children of the Foothills to help fill a gap in the program by funding grand prizes for families that hit the 1,000-book goal. “When I asked them to support our campaign there was no hesitation. It’s great to see the investment of the organization here in Polk County, offering incentives to families that will commit to read to their children!” said Dickenson. 

 

The Partnership for Children of the Foothills is pleased to partner on this campaign by donating money to sponsor grand prizes for participants that finish all 1,000 books.    

 

– Submitted by Desiree Magnant