Snowy Monaro Regional Library is excited to announce the launch of the 1000 Books Before School early literacy program, coming to your local library from Monday 29 January 2024.
This free initiative is designed to ignite a love for reading in young minds, empowering parents and caregivers to build their child’s literacy skills before they enter school.
It’s not just about the number. 1000 Books Before School helps your kids to learn the literacy skills they need for a successful and happy life, by helping to build their passion for literature.
Free starter packs are available from each of our libraries, including the Mobile Library, giving every Snowy Monaro family easy access to this great program – no matter where they live.
2023 NAPLAN results show one in three Australian children are behind in literacy, and one in ten struggle with basic schoolwork. 1000 Books Before School helps set kids up for success, with research into the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children revealing that reading to two to three-year-olds daily leads to higher average NAPLAN scores.
A 2019 research review from education think-tank LKMco showed lower literacy often means worse outcomes for a student’s future employment, education, and health.
Work from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth has shown that children who start school behind their peers in literacy may not catch up, demonstrating the importance of early reading in giving your kids the best possible start in life.
How does 1000 Books Before School Work?
The premise is simple: read 1000 books with your child before they start school, or before they turn six. Just one book a day means you’ll reach 1000 in less than three years, with three per day hitting 1000 in under a year! Kids are celebrated for their accomplishments whether they hit the target or not, with the goal of encouraging reading and literacy – not reaching a particular number.
Registration and Rewards
It’s easy to sign up and get started with 1000 Books Before School. Visit any library location or hop on the Mobile Library and the team will have you ready to go in no time.
You’ll get a starter pack, reading log for the first 50 books, and a milestone map to track your journey. Return each completed reading log to the library for milestone stickers, bookmarks, and new reading logs – all for free!
Milestone stickers are awarded every 50 books, with special bookmarks for reaching 50, 250, 500, 750, and 1000. Every budding reader that makes it to 1000 receives a special certificate to celebrate their achievement.
What Counts as a Book?
Reading or rereading fiction, non-fiction, picture books, easy-readers, and audiobooks all count towards the goal, as do your local library’s Story Time and Giggle & Bounce sessions. The program is all about the joy of reading, not strict rules, making it suitable for every family.
