East Hartford Public Library launches 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program

Help your child get a head start at reading success! The East Hartford Public Library invites families with children ages birth to preschool to join our "1,000 Books before Kindergarten" reading challenge. it is a free, self-paced program that encourages reading to your child. Reading is a great opportunity for you to bond with your child and encourages a love of books.

If you read just 1 book a day, you will have read 365 books in a year. That's 730 books in two years, and 1,095 books in just three years!

All reading counts: books read at home, in daycare or preschool, storytime at the library, and books read by other caregivers or older siblings. You can even read the same book more than once and count it each time! E-books and audiobooks count, too! Ask us how to use our library reading app, Libby, for free with your library card.

You can record your books two ways: with our printed reading log (available at the libraries) or online on your device. For a paperless way to record your reading, download the ReadSquared app to your phone or device, where you can easily log your books wherever you are. Find it on Google Play or the App Store.

Participating families will receive a free book at sign-up, and prizes at each 100-book level. Book prizes are made possible thanks to a generous donation from the East Hartford Black Caucus.

The Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., and our Wickham branch is located at 656 Burnside Ave. Visit either library to sign up and to take home books to read together!