Bryan-Bennett Library has launched a new program to help parents foster the love of literature in very young children. Parents can register in the “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” program at Bryan-Bennett’s Circulation Desk.
When registering, parents will receive a folder that will help them track the books that they read to their children.
As children reach 100-book milestones, they can come to the Library and show their reading log to the circulation desk clerk and receive a little incentive gift or treat, such as a sticker, tote bag or button.
Children who have not yet entered Kindergarten are eligible to participate in this program with their caregiver.
“The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless,” comments Program Director Karen Shanafelt, who designed the activity at Bryan-Bennett.
The first child to complete the program (read 1,000 books) will receive $25 in cash.
While the 1,000 books may sound like a huge hurdle, it’s not actually going to be that difficult to achieve, comments Library Director Kim Keller. Children, who enjoy having parents read to them, can plow through an arm load of books in a day.
“While we would like for parents and youngsters to explore different children’s books, we understand that when a child gets a favorite, that favorite is read many times over,” adds Keller. So, parents are allowed to list that favorite as many times on the log as they read it to the child.
For more information, contact Bryan-Bennett Library at 548-3006 or stop by the Library at 315 South Maple, Salem.
