
Experts recommend children hear at least 1,000 stories before they learn to read. Families who read aloud to their children strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary. Start your child’s love of learning today with our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative.
How Does It Work?
Fountaindale Public Library cardholders can sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at the Children’s Services Desk.
You’ll receive a free tote bag and your first reading log when you sign up. Fill in a circle for each book you read to your child. If you read the same book more than once, every time counts, and remember to include books from storytime, daycare and preschool, too.
After you finish 100 books, bring your completed log to the Children’s Services Desk for a fun prize and your new log!
You can also download our reading log to start (or continue) your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten journey if you’re not ready to come to the library. Bring your log in when you’re ready to collect your prizes. For questions or more information, you can contact Children’s Serivces at 630.685.4181.
How Long Will It Take to Reach 1,000?
- 1 Book per Day = 3 years
- 2 Books per Day = 1.5 years
- 3 Books per Day = 1 year
- 4 Books per Day = 9 months
- 5 Books per Day = 7 months

What Prizes Will My Child Earn?
In addition to gaining more language skills and a robust vocabulary, you child will earn:
- 100 books = Animal Sticker
- 200 books = Animal Sticker
- 300 books = Animal Sticker
- 400 books = Animal Sticker
- 500 books = Animal Sticker
- 600 books = Animal Sticker
- 700 books = Photo on the Storytime Throne
- 800 books = Animal Sticker
- 900 books = Animal Sticker
- 1,000 books = Certificate of Completion and Free Book
This program is made possible by the generosity of the Friends of Fountaindale.