Charleston County Public Library encourages all families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before they start kindergarten. This nationwide challenge is an easy, fun, and free program that puts children ages 0-5 years old on the path to success. Reading aloud to children from birth helps strengthen language skills and build vocabulary – two important tools for learning to read. Plus, sharing stories together is fun!

If you read one book each night, you will read 365 books in one year! That is 730 books in two years, and 1,095 books in just three years!

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How Does the Program Work?

  • 1) Get Started
    Enroll in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten in a Charleston County Public Library location or online. Children ages 0-5 years old are eligible to participate.
  • 2) Track Your Reading
    Each time you read a book with your child, log it on your paper (available for print and at your local library) or online. When you finish reading 100 books, visit the library and receive a milestone sticker. You’ll even be added to your local CCPL branch’s Reader Wall of Fame!
  • 3) Keep Reading More Books!
    Continue to track the books you read on paper or online. When you reach 1,000 books, your child will receive a certificate and a free book to keep for their home library! Your child can also have their picture taken and be featured on CCPL’s social media as a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Super Reader.

Enroll In
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

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Printable Reading Logs in English
Registro de Lectura en Español para Imprimir
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1,000 Books You Should Read

What should you and your child read as part of the program? The possibilities are endless!


Books for Babies

Books for Toddlers

Books for Preschoolers

Read Alongs on OverDrive

Spanish Picture Books

Read, Write, Talk, Sing, & Play
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Meet Our 1,000 Books Partners

Charleston County Public Library, Berkeley County Library System, and Dorchester County Library have partnered with Trident United Way to help provide you additional support during this program. Visit Tri-County Read United for registration to receive literacy information, communication, and support from Trident United Way. Individuals may opt out at any time.

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