What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program designed to help parents prepare their children for one of life’s big milestones: kindergarten. Research has shown that children get ready to read long before they enter school. An excellent way to get your child ready to learn is to read to them.
Why should your family participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?
Love of Reading
Reading with your child and making it a special time together shows them that reading is valuable and enjoyable. You can start to develop a love of reading in your child from a very young age!
Ready to Read
You are your child’s first teacher and your home is where your child begins to learn. When you talk, sing, read, write, and play you are helping your child get ready to read!
Appreciation for the Library
By coming to the library together you can show your child how the library works, help them gain an appreciation for the wide range of materials available and get recommendations for books that can broaden your child’s interests.
| Child's Age when 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Starts | Number of Books to Read Per Day to Complete 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten | Number of Books to Read Per Week to Complete 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten |
| 0 Years Old | 1 | 4 |
| 1 Year Old | 1 | 5 |
| 2 Years Old | 1 | 7 |
| 3 Years Old | 2 | 10 |
| 4 Years Old | 3 | 20 |
How to Participate
Sign in or Register for an Account on Beanstack
By visiting our online logging software you can login with your account information from previous years. If you are new to our site, you can create a login!
Register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
After signing in and creating a Beanstack account, you will need to register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. If you do not register, you cannot log reading, earn badges or prizes.
Log books read to earn badges and prizes.
Breakdown of Books Read and Prizes
| Number of Books Read | Digital Badge | Sticker* | Prize* |
| 50 | |||
| 100 | |||
| 150 | |||
| 200 | |||
| 250 | |||
| 300 | |||
| 350 | |||
| 400 | |||
| 450 | |||
| 500 |
|
||
| 550 | |||
| 600 | |||
| 650 | |||
| 700 | |||
| 750 | |||
| 800 | |||
| 850 | |||
| 900 | |||
| 950 | |||
| 1,000 |
|
*Stickers and Prizes can be redeemed at your nearest Metro Library
No Internet Access? No Problem
You can keep track of the books read through a paper log or remembering how many books you've read. Visit with a library staff member to help enter information into your child's log.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten FAQs
Upcoming Events
In the air, water, and even under foot, insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on earth.
Secret Underground Railroad Quilt Patterns Passive Program and Display
Check out our Underground Railroad Quilts passive program and display to learn about the secret quilt codes that guided freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Then, color your own quilt block and add it to our community quilt.
Earth Day 2026: Kids Get a Free Tree!
We're partnering with Neighborhood Forest to give free trees to kids to plant on Earth Day (April 22, 2026)!
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
Calling all insect explorers! Want to create and keep a collection of insects at your home? What if you could capture and decorate them yourself?
Fan Fiction/ Fan Art Contest Submissions
The Southern Oaks Library Fan Fiction and Fan Art contest was founded by John Hilbert. In dedication to John's work, the contest continues to recognize the remarkable talents of people in our community.
123! Play with Me! is a four-week series for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents, and caregivers. Fun and play-based, this program provides an environment rich with toys, books, and art activities and an opportunity for families to spend time together, make new friends, and talk one-on-one with early childhood and family support specialists.
Playtime will be followed by a short storytime just for you and your baby.
This is a recurring event. This event is held at multiple libraries.
Let your imagination soar at our toddler art time! We will use an assortment of odds and ends to create our very own works of art. A librarian will be on hand to provide you with all the resources you need to spread your artistic wings!
Disclaimer(s)
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Join us for a storytime at your neighborhood library! Skilled librarians will introduce little ones to the library and show parents and caregivers invaluable information on reading readiness and create excitement about reading. Connect with others while enjoying stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and more!