The Cochise County Library District has partnered with libraries across Cochise County to launch a countywide 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun, informal reading program which encourages parents and caregivers to read with their young children. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Friends of the Cochise County Library District, children who reach the 1,000-book goal will receive a t-shirt or a tote bag along with a certificate of achievement.
According to First Things First, 90% of brain development occurs by age 5. Reading to young children on a regular basis helps build vocabulary and other skills that will help them become successful readers and learners. The 1,000-book goal is a fun reminder to read to your young children early and often.
Reading 1,000 books may seem like a tall order, but at a rate of one book each day, families can reach 1,000 books in less than three years. If you read more than one book per day, the numbers add up even faster.
“We are very excited to offer 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten across Cochise County,” said County Librarian Amadee Ricketts. “All of the libraries are committed to supporting early literacy, and this is a great way for families to give their children a head start on the road to reading. We are thankful to the Friends of the Library District for supporting this program so that families and libraries can participate at no cost.”
Registration is open now at public libraries across Cochise County, and program details are available at www.cochiselibrary.org.
Libraries participating in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program as part of the countywide initiative include:
- Benson Public Library
- Copper Queen Library (Bisbee)
- Jimmie Libhart Library (Bowie)
- Douglas Public Library
- Elfrida Library
- Huachuca City Public Library
- Myrtle Kraft Library (Portal)
- Alice Woods Library (Sunizona)
- Sunsites Community Library
- Tombstone City Library
- Elsie S. Hogan Community Library (Willcox)
Sierra Vista Public Library has an existing 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program and welcomes new participants.