Dear Readers,
We are excited to announce the re-launch of the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program! While this is not a new initiative for the library, we are refreshing it and bringing it back into the spotlight at both our Marion and Old Fort locations.

Here’s a brief overview of how the program works:

• Read – Families may begin reading any books to their child from birth until they start kindergarten. All books count, including those owned, borrowed from the library, and even repeated readings of the same book.
• Track – Log the books read to monitor progress toward the 1,000 book goal.
• Collect Prizes – We offer incentives and prizes for reaching milestones, such as every 100 books read.
• Celebrate – Each year, we will celebrate children and their families who successfully complete the challenge with a special event.

Julie McKinney
Program and Outreach Librarian
(828) 652-3858 ext) 1424
jmckinney@mcdowellpublic library.org

Resources for Building Early Literacy Skills with Your Child

• Every Child Ready to Read® emphasizes the role that parents and caregivers play in helping their child build early literacy skills. Every Child Ready to Read® has identified five early skills that caregivers can model when reading to their children: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing.

• Check out these flashcard guides for more practice.

• Partnership for Children of the Foothills provides caregivers with downloadable handouts for practicing early literacy skills for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten website even gives you a list to choose from of the most highly recommended books for ages 0-5!