Families can share stories and celebrate milestones
Wake County Public Libraries invites families to join 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a nationwide reading challenge that turns storytime into a stepping stone for school success.
Open to children from birth through age 5, the program encourages families to read together while helping build important early literacy skills. Research shows that reading aloud to young children strengthens language, listening and thinking skills while sparking curiosity and building confidence.
“Reading with your child is one of the most powerful ways to prepare them for school and a lifetime of learning,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “This challenge not only promotes literacy, but it also gives families a fun and rewarding way to bond over books.”
How It Works
Getting started is easy. Just pick up a reading tracker at any library or download one in English or Spanish at wake.gov/1000-books-kindergarten.
Next, track those books. Every book counts — including those that are shared at daycare or library programs. Have one book in heavy rotation? Track it! Repetition benefits early literacy development.
Finally, celebrate milestones!
- Every 100 books: Stop by the library for a sticker and info on upcoming 1,000 Books Bash events.
- At 500 books: Earn a special halfway prize.
- At 1,000 books: Celebrate with a completion prize and recognition.
Not sure where to start? Wake County librarians have put together a recommended reading list.
For more details, including how many books to read each day to meet the goal, visit wake.gov/1000-books-kindergarten.
