We are thrilled to announce that the WA Bachelder and the Andover Public Library are joining libraries throughout New Hampshire in this early literacy initiative that encourages families to read to their young children and to use the resources of their public libraries. This project is based on the national program 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, sponsored by CHILIS (Childrens Librarians of New Hampshire) and supported by the New Hampshire State Library, Center for the Book at the State Library, the New Hampshire Academy of Family Physicians, and New Hampshire Family Voices.

Early childhood experts have confirmed that the more you read to children, the more prepared and eager they will be when it comes time to read independently. Reading to children will increase their vocabulary and their listening and speaking skills. Reading with children will also help to instill in them self-awareness, confidence, and an understanding of their place in the world. 1000 books may seem like a daunting number, but if you read just one story a day to your child, you’d complete 365 in one year. One book a day for three years is over 1,000 books!

So get started today! Each time you read a story, log the title of the book. Reading books include Story Times at the library, audio books in the car, books read by caregivers, family, and so on. The Andover libraries encourage you to read with your child beginning at birth and before.

Register at either library to get your folder, which includes suggested activities to do together, a log to keep track, a schedule of read aloud times, and after the first 100 books read you will receive a New Hampshire 1000 Books Before Kindergarten bag. Upon completion of the program, your child/children will be given a certificate of completion and a special gift. But the greatest reward will continue throughout their lives. What a great way to share the love of reading with your child!