WELCOME!

We are pleased you have taken this first step toward your goal of reading 1000 books aloud to your child before it's time to start Kindergarten!

Beloved children's book author Mem Fox is said to have inspired the very first 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, in Bremen Public Library, Indiana.  In her book, Reading Magic, she says "...read at least three stories a day; it may be the same story three times.  Children need to hear a thousand stories before they can begin to learn to read.  Or the same story a thousand times!"

This is a self-paced activity, so you and your child will determine how long it takes to reach the 1000 book level.  The staff at Bellevue Public Library looks forward to celebrating a number of milestones with you and your child as you spend time sharing stories, talking together, and discovering the joy of reading.

If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to visit the library and register for 1000 Books.  It is free for all children, even those who do not have a library card with BPL.
Upon registering, you will receive a reading sheet which will help you track the number of books you read to and with your child. Once you have read 100 books, return your reading sheet to the library, receive some fun prizes, and take home your next reading sheet.

NOTE:
You can use the trifold reading sheet you were given at registration or you can download the free 1000 Books Before Kindergarten app.  For more info on the app, click here or read more about it in the Using the 1000 Books App post