The graduates proudly wore their caps, walking one by one to collect their certificates to loud applause. Colorful streamers adorned the walls, along with phrases like, “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

After the inspirational words of the keynote speaker, 47 pairs of arms reached up and many young voices yelled in excitement for a balloon drop. This was the scene at Sequoyah Regional Library System’s annual 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten graduation.

“Parents have told us that they love celebrating the achievement for their little ones through the graduation,” said Sarah Childers of Sequoyah Regional Library System. “We have many families who send each of their children through the program to build that love of reading for everyone.”

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is available at nearly 300 public libraries across Georgia and growing, and is one of Georgia Public Library Service’s primary ways to support the Early Literacy Act. The premise is that reading books aloud to your baby or toddler, which is important for a child’s brain development and builds up necessary vocabulary for when they enter school, also builds strong family bonds – and is fun!

“The most important predictor of school success is being read to at home during early childhood,” said Evan Michael Bush, director of Youth Services at Georgia Public Library Service. “Children who are read to in that pivotal window from birth to age five will enter school with more than 30,000 words in their vocabulary.”

“The most important predictor of school success is being read to at home during early childhood”

While 1,000 books may seem intimidating, if a parent or guardian reads one book a day to their baby or toddler, they will reach the program’s goal in just over three years.

Children receive prizes for reaching milestones along the way, typically at 250, 500, and 750 books, which helps keep them motivated to continue. “We read a ton of books before bedtime, and we get to discuss things we normally wouldn’t,” said Casey Romanos. “My child’s reading skills have expanded exponentially through 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The program has opened her mind to vocabulary and recognizing new words. It’s been amazing to see the progression.”

Any child can participate in the program, even without a library card. However, a free library card is useful for accessing the many books, ebooks, and audiobooks at the library.

Learn more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at georgialibraries.org/1000books or ask your local librarian.

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