A new early literacy initiative is arriving at the library this September to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Introducing 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a nationwide effort designed to help families build strong reading habits from birth through age five. While finishing 1,000 books may sound ambitious, reading just one book a day will help families reach the goal in less than three years! Each reading session matters, even if you're reading your favorite story repeatedly.

Daily reading is one of the most powerful ways parents and caregivers can prepare children for school success. Research shows that children who are read to regularly hear millions more words than those who aren't. This builds stronger vocabularies, listening skills, imaginations, and social-emotional development. Reading aloud takes about six to nine minutes but offers many chances to bond, laugh, ask questions, make predictions, and create special memories.

To support families and caregivers on their reading journey, Loveland Public Library offers books, storytimes, reading recommendations, and early literacy activities for all ages. Families can sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten through the Reader Zone app using code 8a8fc. Paper logs can also be picked up at the Children’s Services desk by participants who prefer to track reading that way. After registering, participants can visit the Children’s Services desk to pick up a registration prize. Milestone rewards are available at 500 and 1,000 books. Loveland Public Library invites families to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month by joining the program and helping their children build a lifelong love of reading.