Welcome to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!
Studies have shown that children who are read to improve their vocabulary, listening and language skills, and have increased attention spans. These are all essential tools when learning how to read. If you read three books a day to your child, in just one year you'll have read 1,095 books!
Learn more about how 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten will benefit your child.
Sign Up Today
Visit your local library to pick up a reading log. You can also print your reading log from this website or track your child's progress online.
| Log #1 (0-250 Books) |
Log #2 (251-500 Books) |
Log #3 (501-750 Books) |
Log #4 (751-1,000 Books) |
| English • Español | English • Español | English • Español | English • Español |
How it Works
Each time you read a book with your child, mark off the paw print on your child's reading log. Once you finish the first log, stop by the library to pick up your child's prize and the log for the next 250 books.
| Milestone | Prize |
| 250 Books | Drawstring Backpack |
| 500 Books | Book |
| 750 Books | Activity Book |
| 1,000 Books | Certificate and Stickers |
Any and All Books Count!
Any books read to a child in any language count towards the 1,000 books goal.
Want a few recommendations to get started? Check out our booklists:
Books read at library storytimes also count. Find an upcoming storytime near you.
There are even websites where your child can be read to virtually! Here are a few favorites:
Hall of Fame
When your child finishes reading 1,000 books, submit a picture of them holding their certificate to libcommunity@sdcounty.ca.gov. We'll feature it here!
Superhero Readers
Is big brother or big sister reading books to your little one to help them reach 1,000 books? Older siblings are Superhero Readers! Send libcommunity@sdcounty.ca.gov a photo of the older sibling reading to your pre-kindergartener and we'll feature it here.
Looking for more early
literacy opportunities?
Check out San Diego County Library's Discovery Zones!
Children ages 0-5 can hone their early-literacy skills by engaging in talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with their caregivers.
Libraries in Borrego Springs, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, San Marcos, Spring Valley, Valley Center, and Vista all have Discovery Zones that feature interactive furniture and activities to help build these skills.
Discovery Zones are funded in part by First 5 San Diego.
