We're thrilled to unveil the revamped 1000 Before Kindergarten Program, now sporting a fresh new look and enhanced features to ignite the love for reading in our youngest generation. As advocates for early childhood literacy, we understand the profound impact that reading has on a child's development. With our reimagined program, we're not just promoting reading; we're opening doors to a world of endless possibilities.

"At its core, the 1000B4K Program is not merely about literacy; it's a celebration of the transformative journey that early literacy embarks upon," said Slone Williams, Communications/Community User and Engagement Manager. "We deeply grasp the profound impact that reading yields on a child's holistic development. Through our reimagined program, we're not just promoting reading; we're unlocking gateways to boundless realms of possibilities."

Why 1000B4K?

At its core, the 1000 Before Kindergarten Program is a celebration of the incredible journey of early literacy. Designed to encourage families to embark on the adventure of reading together in language-rich homes, our program sets the stage for a lifetime of learning and exploration. From birth to the pre-kindergarten years, every book read and reread is a stepping stone toward academic success and holistic development.

The Power of Reading

Research has consistently shown the transformative power of reading in shaping a child's future. Through the simple act of sharing stories, families can nurture crucial skills and lay the foundation for academic excellence. Consider these compelling findings:

• Expanded Vocabulary: Children exposed to early reading experiences boast larger vocabularies and knowledge of the world providing them with a head start as they enter the educational arena.
• Key to Success: The correlation between being read to at home during early childhood and future academic achievement cannot be overstated. It's a fundamental predictor of success in school.
• Holistic Development: Reading aloud and talking about stories together, fosters not only cognitive development but also social and emotional growth, nurturing healthy well-rounded individuals.
• Brain Development: The early years are a critical period for brain development, with a toddler's brain forming an astonishing two million new connections per second.

What's New?

The updated program introduces enticing new incentives to captivate young readers. Participants will earn badges for every 10 books read until they reach 100, thereafter receiving badges for every 100 books read. Furthermore, reaching significant milestones will unlock special prizes, including:

• 500 Books Read Prize for Child: This includes 2 picture books, a coloring book, crayons, and a pencil.
• 1000 Books Read Prize for Child: Participants achieving this milestone will receive a CCPL bag, sight words flash cards, a timed test book, and a large number book.
• Completion Ceremony Gift for Child: Attendees will receive a felt graduation hat, a photo frame kit, and a certificate to commemorate their achievement.
• Completion Ceremony Gift for Caregiver: Caregivers will receive a photo frame magnet bearing the inscription "My child read 1,000 books!"
• Badge Bonanza: Participants earn badges for every 10 books read until they reach 100, after which badges are earned for every 100 books read. This allows our young readers to track their progress and celebrate their achievements, one badge at a time.
• Special Prizes: But wait, there's more! We're thrilled to announce special prizes for reaching significant milestones. At 500 and 1000 books read, participants will receive exclusive rewards to commemorate their achievements.

Join the Adventure!

The beauty of the 1000B4K Program lies in its accessibility and flexibility. Open to children from birth to pre-kindergarten age, there's no deadline to register or complete the program. Whether you're a library regular or a first-time visitor, everyone is welcome to join the adventure of reading.

How to Get Started

Signing up is a breeze! Simply log your books in Beanstack, our user-friendly platform designed to track progress and celebrate milestones. As you journey through the world of literature, earning badges and prizes along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to attend our Completion Ceremonies held at libraries throughout the year.

Completion Ceremony Schedule

Sewell Mill Library	Switzer Library	North Cobb Library	South Cobb Library
Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 am - 12 pm	Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 10 am - 12 pm	Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10 am - 12 pm	Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10 am - 12 pm

Visit the library’s events page and Register Today!

Unlock the Magic of Reading Today

Embark on an adventure of literacy with the reimagined 1000 Before Kindergarten Program. Together, let's unlock the boundless worlds that lie within the pages of a book and set the stage for a future filled with endless possibilities. Join us as we empower young minds, one story at a time. Happy reading!

For more information, visit: cobbcat.org/1000b4k