1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program & Party

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, special way to introduce your children to the wonderful world of reading. This popular early literacy program encourages parents and caregivers to read to their children, which helps prepare them for school readiness and lifelong success by building a strong foundation for later reading and writing.

How it Works

At the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, the program is open to all families whose children are below kindergarten age. To get started, stop by the library to pick up your first reading log and a free book! As you read to your child, mark off a circle for each book you read. You can mark off a circle for each time you read the same book, too, as repetition is an important part of learning to read. When you’re finished, you and your child can bring the completed log back to the library to receive a prize and your next reading log. Once you have completed all ten logs and read 1,000 books, we will contact you with an invitation to our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten graduation party.

It’s Party Time!

The community is invited to our next 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Party on Saturday, September 23rd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Goleta Valley Library Multipurpose Room (500 N. Fairview Avenue). Join us as we celebrate the young readers who have read 1,000 books before kindergarten. We will read a story, hold a brief ceremony, enjoy a dance party, and for the grand finale we’ll end with a bubble party! Families are welcome to attend to learn more about the program, sign up, and take home their next 1,000 Books reading log. Each finisher will receive a book, a personalized certificate, and a goody bag, and everyone in attendance will receive a special sticker for coming to the party. We hope to see you there to celebrate the magic of reading!

Thank you!

Program materials and prizes at Goleta Valley Library are generously provided by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library and First 5 Santa Barbara County. To learn more or to become a Friend, visit https://www.friendsofthegoletavalleylibrary.org/.