It’s never too early to start reading with your little ones. The Santa Barbara Public Library invites children ages 0-5 and their families to join the free "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program". By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal and ensure that children begin life with essential pre-reading skills.

Two Ways to Get Started ...Choose what works best for your family: Pick up a log at any branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library OR Download and print a Reading Log Registro de Libros

 How it Works:

• No registration needed - All you need is the first reading log to get started   
• This program is for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who have not yet entered Kindergarten
• Books can be from home, from the library, at the doctor’s office, in audio or eBook format…any book in any language is fine
• Yes, you can read a book more than once!
• Siblings, grandparents, caregivers, and even library storytellers can all count as “readers”    
• If you read just one book a night, that’s 365 books in a year - You’ll complete the program in 3 years
• The program may take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on your family.
• We offer a small prize each time you complete 100 books and visit the Library   
• The first 500 children to reach the 200 book milestone will receive a free "1,000 Books" tote bag!

Why Read 1,000 Books?

Research shows that children introduced to reading early on tend to read earlier and excel in school compared to children who are not exposed to language and books at a young age. Children who are read to improve their vocabulary, listening and language skills, and have increased attention spans. Children also develop positive associations with reading when spending quality time with parents or caregivers as they read.

Mix it up! Experiment with different ways to read

• Participate in one of the Library's Early Literacy Classes. 
• Read a wordless book or talk about the pictures when you read.   
• Check out an early literacy kit. 
• Try a read-aloud on OverDrive or other online story sites. 
• Let a bigger brother, sister, cousin or neighbor be the storyteller.
• Give an especially wiggly listener a board book to hold while you read.    
• Try nursery rhymes or books based on songs.    
• Use puppets or props that your child can play with while you read.    
• If it’s not fun, stop and read again later.

 Print Your Reading Logs