1000 Books Before Kindergarten FAQs

  • General Questions

    No, you can read books from anywhere and in any language.  Staff members at any branch will be more than happy to assist with suggestions.

    Tracking sheets will be provided to record every 100 books read (10 sheets in total) and will be included in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten kits available at any SDG Library Branch. Alternatively, you can download and print tracking charts from home.

    For every book read together, colour in one (1) star. Read the same book three (3) times – colour in three (3) stars.

    You can record the book titles if you wish, but it is not required.

    Reading 1,000 books might sound overwhelming, but it’s more attainable than you think!  At just one book per night, you’ll finish roughly 365 books in a year, 730 in two years, and over 1,090 in three years.

    There is no time limit, read at a pace that is comfortable for both you and your child.  Completing the challenge could take a few months to a few years. It will take approximately three years if you read one book per day. It will take approximately one year if you read two to three books per day.

    You can record the book as many times as you read it! Little ones need repetition to learn. Hearing words and sounds over and over again is how they learn the language. So read them their favourite book over and over again!

    Yes, the goal is to make reading fun! Young children have varying attention spans and not all books will interest your child. It is fine just to talk about the pictures or make sounds. If your child likes to turn the page before you finish reading it, that’s okay too. Share the books in whichever way works for both of you. Reading together in the early years is about connection, print and sound awareness, vocabulary and fun!

    Yes, if your child hears a book at daycare, preschool, the library, from a grandparent or babysitter, friend or neighbour, it all counts.
    Anyone can read to your child! Parents, grandparents, caregivers, siblings, even your local SDG Library staff during a storyime.  The more people that read to your child will show them that reading is fun for everyone!

    The SDG Library offers several programs suitable for children 0-5 years, including storytimes.  Please visit our events page to view all the programs available.