The Scotch Plains Public Library provides an array of engaging reading challenges for children. Join our pre-literacy initiative, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, or participate in our exciting new program launching this November: 500 Books Before Sixth Grade.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten 500 Books Before Sixth Grade
This multi-year, pre-literacy program fosters a love of books and reading in children before they enter Kindergarten. Any Scotch Plains resident under the age of 5 is eligible to participate. Working at their own pace, the child has until they begin Kindergarten to reach the goal of reading 1000 books.
How to Sign Up?
Stop by the library to sign up or visit Beanstack (if signing up online, please contact us for the Challenge Code).
How does the program work?
1. Register at any time at the Children’s Services desk in the library or online.
2. Record the titles of the books that you read to your child on your log.
3. Each time you complete 100 books, come into the library and you will receive a small prize.
4. When you reach 1000 books, your child will receive a certificate of achievement and an invitation to our annual celebration party in December. In addition, his or her name will be added to our Readers Hall of Fame.
How to reach 1000 books:
– 1000 books is not as daunting as it seems. If you read just 3 books a day, in one year you will have read 1,095 books! And you have until your child enters Kindergarten to complete the program.
– Repetition is key to learning. You may read the same book over and over again!
-You can read books from anywhere, not just library books.
– Each and every book your child listens to counts, including those read at library programs.
Most of all, remember to have fun!
Downloadable Files:
Reading Logs: Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5
Level 6 | Level 7 | Level 8 | Level 9 | Level 10
The 500 Books Before Sixth Grade program is a continuous literacy initiative aimed at elementary students from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Kids are encouraged to read independently or enjoy stories being read to them, with the chance to earn fun prizes throughout their journey. Just reading 2 books a week equals 104 books a year, which is plenty of time to complete the challenge.
How to Sign Up?
Stop by the library to sign up or visit Beanstack (if signing up online, please contact us for the Challenge Code).
How does the program work?
1. Register at any time at the Children’s Services desk in the library or online.
2. Record the titles of the books that you read to your child on your log.
3. Each time you complete 50 books, come into the library and you will receive a small prize.
4. When you reach 500 books, your child will receive a certificate of achievement, a free book and an invitation to our annual celebration party in December (2025). In addition, his or her name will be added to our Readers Hall of Fame.