1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000Books Logo - Bear with Green Book

1000 Books before Kindergarten is a national initiative to increase early childhood literacy. Billings Public Library is one of the first libraries in Montana to participate.

The purpose behind this program is to foster the love of reading at an early age and encourage parent and child bonding through reading. Children who have been read to at home come to school with important early literacy skills. They are prepared to learn to read and write.

The challenge=  to read 1,000 books before your child reaches kindergarten, and yes, books may be repeated. 

  • One book a night = 365 books a year;  730 books in two years; 1,095 books in three years

Getting Started:

  • Register online or download the ReadSquared app
  • Record books you and your child read together
  • Earn virtual badges for every 50 books
  • Earn prizes for every 100 books
  • Already participating in one of our reading programs? Follow this link for directions on linking the two accounts.
Readsquared app logo

Early_Lit_Activity_Calendar_June23Early Literacy Calendar and Resources

Support early literacy learning every day with your child with this helpful calendar!

Download a printable 8.5″ x 11″ version of the calendar



Want to learn even more about early literacy and fun activities to foster an early love of reading in your baby or toddler? Check out the Montana State Library's Ready2Read website!

Ready2Read Opens in new window


April 2023 BooksSharing Books with Your Child:



Books and Babies Books:

Did you visit Books and Babies recently?  Make sure to record the books read!  They count!

Book Lists:

Story Time Books:

Did you visit Story Time recently? Make sure to record the books read in Story Time! They count. 

Dad and Child reading

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is sponsored by the Billings Public Library Foundation and the generous support of our donors Nick and Linda Cladis, Greater Montana Foundation, Graphic Finesse and the Centennial Youth Foundation. Special thanks to Bailey Williams Design for creating our logo.