SUMMER READING PROGRAM 2024

We invite you to participate in this free do-it-yourself program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts kindergarten. 

The concept is simple; the rewards are priceless. Read a book to your child. The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten. Does that sound hard? Not really if you think about it. If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think.

 First, stop by the Roosevelt County Library to sign up. We will give you all the materials you will need to get started. 

You have a choice in how you'd like to keep track of the number of books read. One is a lined sheet of paper in which to write the name of the book (and author if you'd like). This may take a little more effort but makes a nice keepsake for your child. The second choice is a sheet to place a sticker for each book read. This is more time convenient way to record the amount os books read. Each sheet has space for a hundred titles to be recorded.

There is also a free app under "1,000 Books Foundation" for IPhone, IPad or Mac users that you can use to record the amount of books read or keep track using Excel/Google spreadsheets.

When a child has a sheet completed, bring it into the Library to show off your accomplishment and to receive a new sheet and a small prize. Each child will receive a paper car/truck to place on the Reading Road in the Library's Children's Area. For every hundred books read, the child may move his vehicle forward to the next "hundred" mark.  Our librarians are here to cheer you on!  Are you ready to start your reading engine?  

•  WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?

Any children from birth until he or she enters Kindergarten can participate in the program.

• HOW LONG WILL THE PROGRAM TAKE?

This is a self-paced program and will depend on how often your child reads/ is read to.

• HOW MANY OF MY CHILDREN CAN PARTICIPATE?

All of them, provided they have not yet started Kindergarten. Make it even more fun and read as a family.

• CAN ONLY PARENTS/CAREGIVERS READ TO THE CHILD?

Besides parents/caregivers, books can be read by teachers, siblings, grandparents.... anyone who can read with the child.

• IF WE READ THE SAME BOOK AGAIN AND AGAIN, DOES IT STILL COUNT?

It absolutely does. Each time it is read, it counts as one book.

• WHAT BOOKS CAN BE COUNTED?

Any children's book. You can use the books you have at home or books checked out from the library. Other places your child may be read to ate at your daycare provider or Head Start.  

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, VISIT THE LIBRARY OR CALL US (406) 653-2411.