Delaware County Libraries are actively encouraging families to participate in the nationally recognized 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
This initiative motivates parents and caregivers to read regularly with their preschool-aged children, fostering essential early literacy skills that contribute to future academic success.
Program Overview
The concept is straightforward: read 1,000 books with your child before they begin kindergarten. This goal is attainable; for instance, reading just one book per day equates to 365 books in a year, totaling 1,825 books over five years. Regular reading enhances vocabulary, letter recognition, comprehension, and narrative skills, laying a solid foundation for learning to read. Moreover, sharing books nurtures a lifelong love of reading.
Program Features
To support families in this endeavor, Delaware County Libraries offer 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten backpacks for circulation. Each backpack contains a selection of 10 picture and board books, along with early literacy tips. These backpacks are available for request through the library catalog and can be found at participating libraries.
Recent Developments
The Library Foundation of Delaware County recently received an early literacy grant from Rotary District 7450 and the Rotary Clubs of Chester, Glen Mills, and Media. This funding enables Delaware County Libraries to provide free books to participants across the county, further supporting early literacy development.
Getting Started
Families interested in joining the program can sign up at their local library or participate online through the Beanstack platform. The program is self-paced, allowing families to progress at a comfortable speed. Many libraries host related events, such as storytimes and kick-off sessions, to engage and motivate participants.
Benefits of Participation
Engaging in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program offers numerous advantages:
- School Readiness: Develops critical early literacy skills essential for academic achievement.
- Parental Bonding: Strengthens the parent-child relationship through shared reading experiences.
- Lifelong Love of Reading: Instills a passion for reading that can last a lifetime.
For more information or to enroll in the program, visit the Delaware County Libraries’ official website or contact your local library.