Accept the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge to help prepare your child for reading. Share any new or favourite book with your baby, toddler, or older child. The goal is to read 1000 books together before your child enters kindergarten. The program is self-paced and can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on how often you read together. Reading together provides an opportunity for bonding and creating lifelong memories. By reading together you are teaching your child how a book works, growing their vocabulary, and instilling a love of reading.
To participate, colour in a shape every time you read a new or repeat book with your child. If you read the same book 3 times in a row, colour in 3 squares. Don't forget to colour a square for every storytime your child participates in and reads with others, including teachers and family members.
For every 250 books that you read, you'll receive a prize! When you reach each 250-book milestone, please visit your local branch to pick up your child's prize.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up a tracking chart at any Brampton Library location.
Or click here to download and print your copy of the tracking chart from home.
Once you have the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten tracking chart, pick a few books and start reading to your child.
No. You can record the book and titles if you wish, but it is not required.
Yes, you can read the same book multiple times. For example, if you read Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss three (3) times in a row, colour three (3) paw prints.
No, you can read anything to your child in any language. If you’re looking for suggestions, go to your local Brampton Library branch and speak to a staff member.
Yes, absolutely. Include any book that has been read to your child.
It depends; completing the challenge could take a few months to a few years. It will take approximately three years if you read one book per day. It will take approximately one year if you read two to three books per day.
There are five (5) things parents and caregivers can do every day to help prepare their child for reading: talk, sing, read, write, and play. You can use the daily Early literacy calendars to learn more and discover daily activities to support early literacy.
Brampton Library offers Baby Storytime (0-18 months), Movers & Shakers (18mo-3 years), Family Storytime (0-6 years) and STEAM Storytime (3-5 years) as well as a variety of programs in partnership with EarlyON. Please see our Calendar of Events for more information on what is available at your local branch.
Each branch has a different selections of books to giveaway as milestone prizes.
905-793-4636