• By Don Dwiggins
• Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Library starts 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

The Forsyth County Public Library has started a new program to have parents and caregivers read 1,000 books to kids zero to age five before starting kindergarten. Children who are read to before starting kindergarten are statistically proven to have greater high school graduation rates, have higher earnings, enjoy greater job security and fewer encounters with the justice system. In Forsyth County almost half of all children entering kindergarten each year risk falling behind their peers in reading. Compounding the challenge is 36% of kids from birth to age four live below the poverty line.

Here’s how the program works. Any child from ages birth to age 6 who has not yet started kindergarten is eligible. Parents and caregivers can sign up at any branch library. You’ll receive a 1,000 Books before Kindergarten tote bag (while supplies last). You’ll also receive a 1,000 Books bookmark (numbered with honeycombs 1-100). For each book you read to your child mark through a honeycomb. When all 100 are marked bring your bookmark to any library location and redeem it for a small prize.