GRASS VALLEY, Calif. – This fall, Nevada County Library is launching 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a countywide early literacy initiative designed to encourage families to read together and help children build strong vocabulary skills before entering school. Research shows that children exposed to a wide range of words and stories in early childhood have a higher chance of success in kindergarten and beyond.
Reading aloud from birth helps children develop language skills, imagination, and social-emotional connections with caregivers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading to infants as a critical tool for brain development and vocabulary growth.
Reading Made Simple and Fun
Families are encouraged not to feel overwhelmed by the number 1,000. Every book counts, including repeated favorites, books heard at storytime, audiobooks and books in languages other than English. The goal is to make shared reading a joyful, everyday experience.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten provides families with a fun and engaging way to read together, helping children develop vocabulary, imagination and early literacy skills while creating lasting memories.
How to Participate
Families can join the program by visiting nevadacountyca.gov/1000books to download the free book-tracker app or by stopping by the children’s desk at any Nevada County Library branch to pick up the first paper log, which tracks books 1–100. The app and paper log make it easy to record books at home, at storytime, or even while traveling. Participants will receive a free book at signup to help begin their reading journey.
The program is designed to be flexible and fun, allowing repeated readings, audiobooks, and books in any language to count toward the 1,000-book goal. Families can choose the reading pace that works best for them, making it an enjoyable experience for both children and caregivers.
Prizes and Milestones
To keep young readers motivated, each time a child completes a 100-book log, they can return it to the library to receive a small prize and pick up the next log. These milestones provide regular encouragement and a sense of accomplishment as children progress toward the ultimate goal. When a child reaches 1,000 books, they will receive a certificate and a special reward celebrating their achievement, recognizing their dedication and commitment to reading.
The program is open to any child who has not yet entered kindergarten, and families can track books at their own pace, whether reading a few minutes each day or enjoying longer story sessions on weekends. By allowing repeated readings, audiobooks, and books in multiple languages to count, the program emphasizes that every reading experience matters. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to celebrate each milestone, creating meaningful shared experiences that foster a lifelong love of reading.
Sign Up and Learn More
By participating in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, families not only help their children develop essential early literacy skills, but they also share meaningful time together and connect with the library community. Families are encouraged to visit their local branch or the library website to sign up and start reading today. Nevada County Library continues to support learning, creativity, and a love of reading for children and families throughout the region.
For more information about this event and other library programs, visit https://nevadacountyca.libcal.com or call 530-273-4117. Don’t forget to follow Nevada County Library on Instagram and Facebook for the latest program updates!