The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless.

One of the most important gifts you can provide your child is the gift of literacy. That is why we invite you to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative.

Help your child gain the confidence necessary to become a strong reader when you read to them. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, toddler and/or preschooler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your precious one starts kindergarten.

Does it 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!

This fun and free program has no end date except your child’s going to school—so don’t feel rushed— just enjoy the experience!

Use our simple logging tool to track your reading and earn badges all along the way. This is the same tool we use for Summer Reading, so if you’ve participated in our Summer Reading Program this year, you already have an account set up! You can also print our logging sheet so your child can track the books you read together along with you (optional).

Spend time reading every day, talk about stories, say nursery rhymes, sing songs, and attend library programs. Give your child a smart start & they’ll benefit for years to come!

Questions? Contact the Children’s Department at 412-741-0937.

This program is made possible by a grant from The G. Whitney Snyder Charitable Foundation.