1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Program Overview

The concept is simple; the rewards are priceless. Read any book to your infant or toddler. The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books!) before your little one starts kindergarten. It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds! If you read just one book a night, you will 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 at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think.

The key is perseverance. Make reading exciting. Whenever your child reaches a milestone (every 100 books), let us know by emailing a picture of your completed form to 1000Books@radnorlibrary.org. Come into the library to pick up a reward for your child at the 100, 500, and 1,000-book goals!


How to Participate

  • Register using the below form, then pick up your 1,000 Books Folder at the Circulation Desk.
  • Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding.  Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for both parent and child.  Feel free to include any book that is read to your child by teachers, librarians, siblings, or relatives.
  • Keep track of the titles of the books you read with your child. Make a record of all the books you read by using the convenient reading log sheets included in your 1,000 Books Folder.  The record itself will make a great keepsake item for you and your child. If you prefer another method, you may also record titles in a notebook or with the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten App (available on iPhone and Android). 

Reading Log Forms are also available here to download and print:


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in this program?

Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

How long will the program take?

The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together.

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!