 About the Program The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, engaging and free program that encourages the love of reading. Children can earn rewards by listening to stories while caregivers learn important tips that can help their child become a successful reader.
Any child, ages birth to five years, who has not started kindergarten can participate. The program is available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. Getting Started
Register - Sign up at any
Lee County Library location or online at www.leelibrary.readsquared.com.
Track Your Reading - Fill in a circle on the tracking sheet and/or log each book you read with your child on
READSquared. Tracking sheets can be picked up at any library or printed out from our website (bottom of this page).
Every Book Counts - Make sure you log every book, even if you read the same story multiple times. As long as your child listens to the entire book, it counts!
100-Book Milestones - Each time you read 100 books, visit the library to receive a sticker and new tracking sheet. Rewards must be picked up in person.
Bonus Activities - Each level includes fun activities that support development using one of the five early literacy practices - reading, talking, singing, writing or playing. These do not need to be logged. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this program cost?
It is free to participate in this program.
Can children older than 5 participate in the program?
This specific program is designed for children ages birth to 5 but other reading challenges are available throughout the year for school-aged children and teens. Ask your librarian for more information.
What if we participated in the old 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program?
If you completed the old 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program and your child is still within the program age range, you are able to sign up and participate in the redesigned program.
What if I am currently working on the previous version of this program?
If you are currently working on 1,000 Books with the old program, we will transition your child over to the new program and make sure they receive any earned rewards.
Do I need to read specific books to my child?
No. You can read whatever books you think your child will enjoy. We provide reading lists as a courtesy and librarians are always available to suggest titles based on your child’s interests.
Where do I collect my rewards and tracking sheets?
Rewards must be collected in-person at any Lee County Library System location, regardless of where you registered or collected your last reward. Tracking sheets are available inside the library and also at the bottom of this page.
Do I need to use READSquared to participate?
No. You can participate completely offline. A staff member will register your child through READSquared to help us measure the success of the program and to log your progress when you collect your rewards and pick up new tracking sheets.
What information is collected when I sign up for READSquared?
The child’s first and last name, age, caregiver’s name and zip code are required to participate. We use READSquared to track overall progress of program attendees and measure the success of the program.
How is my information used?
We do not share participant’s identifying information with anyone. General program information may be shared with library partners.
What if my child does not finish the program before they begin kindergarten?
We would like to award your child with a special completion certificate that indicates the number of books they have logged.
Is this program available to daycares?
At this time, registration is limited to parents or caregivers and their children, however the library can provide information flyers for distribution to caregivers. If you are a daycare provider, please contact your nearest library for more information.
Tracking Progress
Tracking Sheets
Information Sheet
Sticker Sheet
Completion Certificate
Certificate of Participation |