BOOKS: The Bradford Area Public Library is excited to launch a new program called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.

It’s as simple as it sounds — the library is encouraging families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their young children before they go to kindergarten. Reading to one’s infant, toddler, or preschooler builds vocabulary and language skills, and helps prepare them with the skills they need for school.

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, free way to start a child on the path to success. One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if a parent reads one book each night, the family can reach the goal in less than three years.

Executive Director Lacey Love said, “We are so happy to finally launch the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. It will be an easy way for families and our youngest readers to still stay engaged and reading, especially while the library is closed temporarily.”

To track reading, the Bradford Area Public Library is introducing an innovative site called Beanstack. Parents can register their children at the website bradfordlibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker app on their mobile device. Users will have the ability to register multiple family members online with one account, providing an easy way for the whole family to track their reading.

Each time parents read a book with their child, record it in the Beanstack account by entering the title. Anyone using the app can simply scan the ISBN number on the back of the book.

Readers will earn milestone badges and rewards as they work towards reading 1,000 books. Even if a child wants to hear the same book again and again, they can count it each time. Parents can also count the books their child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member. Any child that has not yet started kindergarten can participate.

Anyone with questions about Beanstack or the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program can contact Debbie Deane at youth@bradfordlibrary.org.