HomeMy WebLinkAbout082525 Public Library Relaunches 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Melody Sky Weaver, Community
Services Director
Monday, August 25, 2025 (360) 344-3054 mweaver@cityofpt.us
PUBLIC LIBRARY RELAUNCHES 1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
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PORT TOWNSEND The Port Townsend Public Library is proud to announce the relaunch of the 1,000
Books Before Kindergarten program featuring new artwork designed by local &
illustrator, Faith Pray. Youth & Outreach Library Manager Emily Rucker (née Bufford), who will manage
the program at the library, saysmany in our
community know and love. Since we launched the program in 2014, countless families have participated
with their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. We are excited to bring this program to a whole new
group of families.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early literacy challenge first developed in 2013 by a nonprofit
organization based in Nevada. Since that date, hundreds of public libraries and schools have offered this
program within their communities across all 50 states. The goal is to encourage parents and caregivers
to read 1,000 books with their children before kindergarten. For some, it may seem like a daunting task,
but parents and caregivers have been surprised at how quickly the books add up once they start keeping
track. it is equally
beneficial for early child development. A 2014 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics states:
strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, builds
language, literacy and social emotional skills that last a
Ms. Rucker says:
reading trackers that are intuitive and easy to use. Any picture books that you read with your child count
towards the goal. Simply color in a circle for each book you read.
Families will receive a tote-
their first reading tracker. Upon completing the program, kids will receive a free book from the Port
Townsend Library Friends and Foundation, a certificate signed by the library staff, and they have the
option of having their Additionally, the family will
receive a full-
Reading together and sharing my love of books has been one of the best parts of being
a parent. In designing the artwork for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, I wanted to capture
that feeling of closeness and care, but with a touch of wild curiosity and a nod to folktale traditions. I
where better to enjoy a book together than a sunny day at Fort Worden?
is generously sponsored by the Port Townsend
Library Friends & Foundation.
# # #
Find , sign up, and
download the reading tracker https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/1000-
books-kindergarten
Signing up for the PT Rotary's Imagination Library program is a wonderful way for kids and families to
receive free books that count towards their reading goals. Learn more here:
https://imaginationlibrary.com/us/affiliate/WAJEFFERSON/
Read the American Academy of Pediatrics study on early literacy: Council on Early Childhood; High PC,
Klass P. Literacy promotion: an essential component of primary care pediatric practice. Pediatrics. 2014
Aug;134(2):404-9. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-1384. Epub 2014 Jun 23. PMID: 24962987.