The Nesmith Library Youth Services department is proud to support the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program! The goal is to read 1,000 books together before your child starts kindergarten. This might sound like a daunting task, but by focusing on daily reading habits as a family, it's an easy goal to reach:
1 book per day for 1 year: 365 books
1 book per day for 3 years: 1,095 books!
We are here to support you as you attempt this early literacy challenge, with methods for keeping track of your progress, staying motivated, and celebrating your achievements!
Keeping Track:
Track Reading Online: Keeping track of your progress is easy with our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Beanstack challenge! You can access Beanstack by downloading the app or visiting the link in your browser. (If you participated in Summer Reading, you will use the same Beanstack login, then join the 1000 Books challenge for each reader!) We will send periodic email updates to everyone who registers for the 1000 Books challenge with encouragement, ideas, and updates from the Nesmith Library Youth Services department.
Pictured: Julian and mom, on reaching his first 100 books, February 2020!
Pictured: Celine (left) on reaching 900 books, and Ethan (right) on reaching 600 books, February 2020!
Upcoming Events:
1000 Books Celebration, Saturday, May 7, 2022, 1 PM!
Everyone is invited, even if you are still working toward your 1000 Books! Enjoy a treat with our graduates who have completed their 1000 Books Challenge.
Stay Motivated:
Prize Wall: Children can visit Nesmith Library to pick out a prize each time another 100 books milestone is reached! Our challenge is being generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Windham (FLOW)
Reading Suggestions: Youth Services staff are excited to help you keep reading! Please visit us in the Children's Room or reach out if you would like recommendations, a Mystery Grab Bag, or reading lists to fuel your 1000 Books challenge!
- Mystery Grab Bags: Nesmith Library staff will put together a selection of books and other items for you based on your readers' interests! You can fill out the Mystery Grab Bag Form, or call or visit us.
- Contact Us: You can call and ask for Youth Services (603-432-7154), or email Head of Youth Services Azra, Youth Services Librarian Molly, Children's Library Assistant Chris, or Children's Library Assistant Kirsten
- NoveList K-8 Plus: This digital resource allows you to search and browse lists of books based on types of character, setting, story theme, and more! Visit our Catalog Esources page to log in with your Nesmith Library card barcode and PIN, then select NoveList K-8 Plus from the list to start searching. Be sure to choose Ages 0-8 in each reading suggestions area to tailor the search results to the reading level you are looking for, and once you find books you are interested in, please search our Catalog or ask library staff how to find those items, we are happy to help!
- The 1000 Books Foundation offers a variety of 1000 Books Resources which you may find helpful as you take on this challenge!