Under a year since the launch of Snowy Monaro Regional Library's early childhood literacy program 1000 Books Before School, the library team is thrilled to announce that two budding local bookworms have already met this remarkable milestone.
Launched in January 2024, 1000 Books Before School encourages families to read regularly with their children, laying a strong foundation for literacy and learning. Research shows that reading to children every day significantly boosts their cognitive development and reading skills, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
Cheryl Smith, Coordinator Library Services with Snowy Monaro Regional Council, hopes that these early success stories motivate more local families to take on the challenge.
'The team is so excited about our first two little readers to reach the 1000 book milestone, and we want to congratulate both them and their families for their commitment and enormous effort,' said Ms Smith.
More than 20 families across the Snowy Monaro have taken advantage of this free, easy and simple way to boost their young child's literacy skills ahead of starting school.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up. Participants receive a starter pack with a 50-book reading log and a milestone map. Each completed log earns stickers, bookmarks, and new logs, with special certificates awarded for reaching 1000 books.
'It's so inspiring to see these children fall in love with reading and watch their confidence grow as they progress. I hope other families in the region take up the challenge in 2025 and we can celebrate even more big achievements next year,' said Ms Smith
Toddlers who are read to daily go on to perform better in both literacy and numeracy, with benefits that last well into adulthood. Programs like 1000 Books Before School help close the literacy gap between regional and urban Australia, giving all children the best possible start to their education.
The program is open to all families with children who haven't started school yet. If you have a baby, toddler, or preschooler, it's never too late to speak to your friendly local librarian and get started.
Just one book a day gets you across the line in as little as three years, and if you want to go for the record, it only takes reading two more daily to reach the goal in less than one.
Whether it's picture books, fairy-tales, or storybooks – every kind of book counts, so long as it gets your little ones reading.
