1,000 Books by Kindergarten Program

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It is never too early to start reading to your children!
If your child learns early to associate reading with pleasure, they are more likely to enjoy reading on their own when they are older.
Here are some facts you need to know:

• The program is open to children under 5-years-old. Expectant parents welcomed.
• The theme for the program is "Owls and Trees." The colors associated with the program are pink, red, blue, green, purple and orange.
• Register for the program by completing the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Registration Form. Drop it off at the library or mail it to the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee Street, Hornell, NY 14843.

Parents will receive a tracking form that contains 100 bubbles. When 100 books are read, the parent turns in the completed tracking form and they will receive a new one.

7 Tips for reading to infants and toddlers
1. Keep it fun and enjoyable — Make reading fun and enjoyable. Stories should rarely be read in a monotone voice. Bring out the inner actor in yourself Change your voice, make sounds, and laugh.
2. Hold your child while you read — Do they have a favorite blanket or toy? If so, try incorporating it in your reading. For example, try using the blanket to create a fort. Create a comfort zone. Maybe you can be the favorite toy.
3. Interact with your child — Give your child the opportunity to read along. Ask a lot of questions. Although most books can be read in less than 5 minutes, lengthen the reading process.
4. Read books about topics that interest your child — Is your child excited about Dora the Explorer? Pepa Pig or Curious George? Read books with those characters. When your child gets older, take her to the library and let her pick out her own books.
5. Incorporate reading into your daily routine — Make reading something your child looks forward to. Make it so reading isn't boring or mundane.
6. Repitition — Read the same stories over and over again. Your child will start enjoying the repetition and become familiar with the way stories are organized.
7. Keep track of your child's successes. — Use a composition notebook or get the the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten iPhone App. Give your child praise after they listen to a certain amount of books. Soon they will be asking you to write down the books before they hear them.

You can also submit your child’s books to the following email address: HornellChildrensLibrary@gmail.com — Please remember to include your child’s name. You can also submit information by phone by calling the Children’s Library at 324-1210 or mail them to the library.