Dear Parents/ Caregivers
Raise a reader! 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a reading program which encourages parents and caregivers to provide positive, nurturing early experiences by daily reading aloud to their children ages birth to five. Reading to children builds vocabulary, language skills, and equips them with the skills they need for Kindergarten. We invite you to participate in this exciting, free program. 

Play, Grow, Read eNewsletter
Receive information about events such as storytimes that are designed specifically for children 0-5, tips for building early literacy skills, book reviews, and more. If you would like to receive the Play, Grow, Read Early Literacy newsletter once a month or less, please click here to sign up.
 
Why should I sign up?
The challenge is meant to introduce children to a wide range of books and stories and encourage families to spend quality time together so children enter school ready to read, listen, and learn. Your participation also encourages your child to become a public library supporter and gives us the opportunity to visit with parents and children outside of the library. 
   
How long will the program take?
The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. It is a self-paced program and will depend on how often you read together.
One book a night = 365 books in one year
20 books a week = over 1,000 books in one year

Incentives include:
100 Books = Creative Poem & Craft (Girl Scouts)
300 Books = Handmade cuddly critter (Madison Knitters Guild)
800 Books = Free family size pizza (from Angelo's Italian Restaurant)
1000 Books = Free book (Monona Library Foundation) 
Children will receive a mailed invitation to a special Graduation Party to be held early each year. At the party, Graduates who completed the reading program the previous calendar year will be honored for their achievement!

2019 Graduation Party! Readers who have completed the program within the 2018 calendar year, will be invited. Watch our Calendar of Events for the date, time, and entertainment.

Do I have to live in Monona to participate?
The program is open to all residents in South Central Library System. We do not mail or deliver prizes. Prizes must be claimed at the Monona Public Library.

How do I get started? 
Register for your free Woodland Animals Reading Log and Early Literacy Guide at Monona Public Library or sign up using the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten app. We also register you in library in order to track how many participants are enrolled and also to ensure there are enough grand prizes. Visit Monona Library often to collect a small prize for each 100 books you read together.

Spanish!
The complete Early Literacy Guide is currently being translated and will soon be available in Spanish. Video here.

There is an App for that!
Search for the 1000 Books before Kindergarten app, sign up with Monona Library as your home library. Start adding books today. Before you know it, you and your child will have read 1,000 books before Kindergarten! Show your progress at the Monona Public Library to receive small prizes.
    
To learn more, email karen@mononalibrary.org