Cook Memorial Library participates in NH Children’s Librarians’ 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

The single most important thing you can do to prepare your children to read is to read to them every day. Research proves that children need to hear 1000 books before they begin to learn to read independently. Reading to children will increase their vocabulary and their listening and narrative skills. Reading with children will also help to instill in them self-awareness, confidence and an understanding of their place in the world.

HOW CAN I READ 1000 BOOKS? It’s easy!

• One book a day for three years=1000
• Three books a day for one year=1000
• Ten books a week for two years=1000

WHAT COUNTS? Everything! Every book you read counts every time you read it! Books your child hears in Storytime count. Books that others read to your child count. It all counts!

WHERE CAN I SIGN UP? No sign-up is necessary!

We will give you a sheet to help you keep count of the first 100 books. When you finish reading 100 books, bring in that sheet, and we’ll give you a fun sticker and a new sheet to track the next hundred books, and give you suggestions for new books you and your child may like.

When you are halfway there, at 500 books, you will receive a book bag with the “NH 1000 Books Before Kindergarten” logo.

When you and your child have read 1000 books together, bring in your final tracking sheet for a certificate and special prize.

WHEN: Today! You can participate anytime when your child is between birth and five years old.

It’s one of the best gifts you will ever give your child…and yourself!