1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Read just one book a day to build a foundation for lifelong success. Prizes awarded for every 100 books! | Children

All Library Locations
Starts January 2022, ongoing

All it takes is sharing one book a day with your child to build a foundation for lifelong success. Start your child’s book journey today! The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your precious one starts kindergarten.

If you read just 1 book a day, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think. So, let’s get started!

How to Participate

Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you.

Keep track of the number of books you read with your child. Ask your librarian for a paper log to start on your reading journey.

You may choose instead to log your books online using Beanstack. Visit our Beanstack website or download the app to log your books digitally. You can view Beanstack instructions here or ask a librarian on how to use it.

After each 100 books you read, visit your local Springfield City Library branch to collect your free book prize. After 1000 books, come in and get a tote bag!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in this program?
– Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten.

How long does the program take?
– The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together.

Can we repeat books?
– Yes!

How many of my children can participate?
– All of them (provided they have not started kindergarten). Make it even more fun and read as a family!

Circle Time Fun

Join us for songs, rhymes and a story or two at Circle Time Fun. | Sixteen Acres | Children

Sixteen Acres Branch
Thursdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 0-5

Join us for songs, rhymes and a story or two!

“Circle Time” is not only a fun experience for your child but also a great way to be ready for preschool and kindergarten.

Be sure to browse our extensive collection of children’s books and multimedia before or after the program!

Ages 0-5, older siblings welcome. An adult must accompany and consistently supervise children.

No registration required – just drop in anytime during the program!

Wee Ones Storytime & Playgroup at Central

Join us for storytime featuring books, songs, and playtime for babies and toddlers and caregivers. | Central | Children

Central Library – Children’s Room
Tuesdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 0-2.5

Storytime plays an important role in building early literacy and social skills. Join us for books, songs, and playtime specifically designed for babies, toddlers and their caregivers. Recommended for families with children under three years old.

No registration required, but we appreciate a call ahead if your group has 6 children or more.

Bilingual Storytime

Vengan y participen todos los miércoles del programa bilingue en Inglés y Español: Disfruten de cancioncitas, rimas, cuentos, y actividades manuales. | Brightwood | Children

Brightwood Branch
Wednesdays | 1:30-2:30 PM | Ages 1-5

Come and join us every Wednesday for a bilingual story time in the English and Spanish languages: songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts. Make new friends and enjoy snacks. Ages 1-5.

Vengan y participen todos los miércoles del programa bilingue en Inglés y Español: Disfruten de cancioncitas, rimas, cuentos, y actividades manuales. Compartir con amiguitos y refrescos. Edades 1-5.

Home City Families: Playgroups

Parents and their children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and activities! | Children

Home City Families Playgroup

East Forest Park Branch
Fridays | 1:30-2:30 PM | Ages 1-5

Sixteen Acres Branch
Tuesdays | 1:30-2:30 PM | Ages 1-5 

Parents and their children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and activities!

This playgroup is a great opportunity to meet other parents and give your child the opportunity to socialize with other children their age.

No registration required – just come in!

Home City Families: Family Storytime

Indian Orchard Branch
Mondays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 1-6

Join us for stories, songs, movement, fingerplays, a craft and playtime! No registration required. Adult must accompany children. For ages 12 mos. – 6 years, siblings welcome. For more information, please call (413) 263-6846.

Home City Families: Gross Motor Playgroup

Mason Square Branch
Wednesdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 1-5

Calling all parents with young children! We invite you along with your child for a fun filled hour of gross motor fun to develop physical abilities.

This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and give your child the opportunity to socialize with other children their age.

No registration required – just come in!