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Brown hedgehog mascot for the 1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten program.

1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten

We are excited to announce our new reading program for our youngest members: 1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten. This program challenges little ones to enjoy 1,000 books before they start kindergarten.

Who Can Participate?

Any child from birth to age 5 who has not yet entered kindergarten may participate. A WPLD library card is not needed to participate, but we always recommend registering for a card if you live within our District. For information, visit warrenville.com/borrowing.

What counts towards the 1,000 books goal?

Any book your child enjoys (reads, listens to someone else read, listens to an audio book) counts toward their reading goal. This includes books from the library, books you have at home or download on an app, attendance at library storytimes and listening to audiobooks. Repeated readings of the same book also count, so if your little one just loves that one truck or animal book, each reading of it will count!

Why participate in this program?

Very young children rely on their parents and caregivers to help them learn early literacy skills, which include recognizing letters, building vocabulary, hearing sounds within words and being able to tell stories themselves. Reading with your child regularly prepares them for school and builds a love of reading. Sharing stories is also an excellent bonding opportunity.

How does the program work?

To begin the challenge, simply sign up on the Beanstack app or use a paper form (see HOW TO PARTICIPATE). The program is self-paced; must be completed prior to entering kindergarten. For each 100 books read, your child will receive a small gift. When you hit 1,000 books, your child will receive a free book to keep and be invited to a biannual graduation event. 

What does “and More” mean in the program title?

In addition to our challenge of reading 1,000 books, the program also includes activity challenges. The activity badges are based on categories that support early learning such as shared reading, music, play and discovery. These activities are not required, but completing an activity badge will enter your child into an annual drawing based on the category. (See HOW TO PARTICIPATE.)

For more information, stop by, call or email Youth Services: 630/393-1171 x124; youthservices@warrenville.com.

Need Help?

We're happy to help you with your child's 1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten Challenge.

We love to make reading suggestions for children's books available in the library, through our catalog or in one of our download or stream services: Hoopla, Libby or Tumble Book Library. 

If you need help creating an account on Beanstack or logging reading time or activities, please visit us at the library, call or email the Youth Services Desk: 630/393-1171 x124 or youthservices@warrenville.com.

Would you prefer to log your reading time and activities on paper? You can download and print a reading log or activitiy logs. Paper logs are also available at the Youth Services Desk.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To participate in our 1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten program, you need to create an account and log your child’s reading and activities in a software platform called Beanstack, which has a web and mobile app. You can also use a printable reading log and printable activity logs (there are four logs...you can print all at the same time or separately).

To get started, follow these instructions for accessing Beanstack through a web browser. To use the mobile app, see steps below.

How do I sign my child up for the 1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten program?

1. Click here.

2. Click the image under Challenges that says “1,000 Books and More Before Kindergarten.”

3. If you have already created a Beanstack account, you can sign in here by clicking on Sign In and entering your login information.

4. Beanstack will ask if you have already created an account. If yes, please log in. If no, follow the prompts for registration.

5. To register, you’ll need to fill in pertinent information including a password. You can register yourself as the “Account Creator” and register the participating youth as reader(s) for this challenge.

6. Once you are registered and logged in, you’ll be able to Join the Challenge.

How do I log my child’s reading?

1. At the top of the screen, click on the button that says "Log Reading and Activities."

2. Select the reader you are logging for.

3. Select Log Books 

4. Enter the amount of books read.

Entering the title information is optional.

How do I log my child’s activities?

1. At the top of the screen, click on the button that says "Log Reading and Activities."

2. Select the reader you are logging for.

3. Select Log Activity

4. Select an activity badge and check off completed activities.

How do I use the Beanstack mobile app?

1. Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play onto your device. 

2. When you open the app for the first time, click “Let’s Go!” 

3. At the next prompt, select “School, Library, or Bookstore.” 

4. At the next prompt, click “Find a Site” and type Warrenville Public Library to find our Beanstack site.

Once you find our site, sign in or register your account much like you would for most digital apps. 

You will log your reading minutes as described above.