The Library is excited to join the free nationwide program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. This program is designed to help caregivers connect and prepare their children for kindergarten by reading together.  Research has demonstrated that reading to children at a young age has a direct positive impact on their cognitive development and later academic success. For a quick, easy-to-read summary of the benefits of reading to babies, see here.

Who is it for?

Any child may participate from birth until he/she enters kindergarten. You may start the program at any time. The goal of 1,000 books seems daunting, but in reality, if you read one book daily, you can finish the program in less than three years. If you read three books daily, you can reach your goal in a year! Join as a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler—you can reach your goal from any starting point!

This program is open to families in White Plains. Please check with your local library for participation in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten if you are not a White Plains resident or visit 1000BooksBeforeKindergarten.org to find your local program.

How does it work?

Starting January 1st, 2021, you can register for the program on the READsquared application (available on both iPhone and Android). This is the same platform we use for our Summer Reading program. Simply sign up and record the titles of the books as you read.  We ask that parents track books on the READsquared app, but we are also providing tracking sheets for every hundred books read. These are optional, but may be a fun way for your child to see their progress visually.

Repeats of books are not only allowed, but encouraged. Reading the same books to your children has many benefits!  For other reading tips, see here.

Every hundred books you read, you will receive a sticker and coloring sheet. Your child will be able to track his/her progress both on the app and on our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten bulletin board here at the library. When you reach 500 books, you even earn a baby cup of ice cream with a topping from our friends at Ice Cream Social! When you finish the program, our friends will give you a full scoop with unlimited toppings! You will also receive a “Ready for Kindergarten” pack from the Library to enjoy.

How to Get Started with READsquared

• Download the READsquared app, available free in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Install and search for White Plains Public Library, NY.
• OR, go to the READsquared website.
• Create a free account for your family.
• First you’ll see prompts for information about you; just select the “choose a program later” option for yourself.
• Next, add your child(ren) to your account.
• Login to READsquared and follow the prompts to log your child's reading.
• Call the library at 914-422-1476 if you have questions.

This program is supported by the White Plains Library Foundation and Ice Cream Social.