Libraries in Springfield, Chatham, Rochester, Sherman and other central Illinois communities have launched a new free program for any child from birth until they enter kindergarten. Called “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten,” the goal is to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she enters kindergarten. Libraries across Illinois and the nation have signed on to help families reach this goal with their little ones.
Sound overwhelming?! Doesn’t have to be! Read one book a day to your little one for three years, and you will reach 1,095 books. And the benefits are so much bigger than the incentives and prizes local libraries will offer, although those are fun, too. Children who are talked and read to daily develop language skills at an increased rate. Plus, there is nothing like snuggling in with a good book and your child on your lap ready for a story.
