An exciting project designed to help families set kids on a path to lifelong learning is now available at library locations all over the City of Amarillo!
Amarillo Public Library launched its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten project earlier this year. APL Youth Services Coordinator Melody Boren says the new program was limited to the Downtown Library in its early days to give staff a chance to discover any potential hiccups, but starting September 1, parents can sign kids up at any APL location.
“Parents, grandparents, and other caregivers are a child’s first teachers,” says Boren, “and multiple studies have shown that achieving one simple goal of reading 1000 books out loud to infants and toddlers before they start school can give kids a solid footing for academic success and lifelong learning. We are excited to make the program more convenient and accessible for Amarillo families.”
Amarillo Public Library’s Early Literacy Librarian Erika Carrillo says the goal is easily accomplished, even if 1000 books sounds like a lot. “Most kids start kindergarten sometime after their fifth birthday, and you have 1,826 days in five years,” says Carrillo. So reading just one or two stories every day—even if you’re not starting at day one—will get you there!”
Reading to kids every day from birth has documented benefits including:
- Brain Development: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for brain development, and reading fosters this growth.
- Language Skills: Early exposure to language through reading helps children develop vocabulary and comprehension skills, which are essential for reading success.
- Preparation for School: Children who are read to at home have a better chance of succeeding in school, as reading skills are predictors of academic success.
- Family Bonding: Reading together creates a special bond between parents and children, making it a cherished activity.
- Lifelong Learning: The foundation laid by reading early in life supports lifelong learning and academic success.
Amarillo Public Library’s initiative works this way: Parents or caregivers can sign kids up at any Amarillo Public Library and receive a booklet to keep track of the stories they read. Kids receive a prize for every 100 books, leading up to a grand prize after 1000 books. APL staff will keep track of signups and awarded prizes through an online server, so families can claim a prize at one library, even if they signed up somewhere else.
Carrillo says books that kids hear at Library Storytimes count and so do re-reads. “Studies show that rereading actually improves vocabulary and reading comprehension, so don’t worry if your little one wants to read The Book With No Pictures over and over again. It counts!”
For more information, contact the Youth and Information Desk at the Downtown Library by calling 806-378-3089.
