1000 Books Before Kindergarten

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program is designed to help children read 1000 books before they enter kindergarten and foster a life-long love of reading and promote early literacy. Reading with your baby or toddler has exponential benefits, including:  

  • Setting your child up for success when they start school
  • Building confidence
  • Inspiring a life-long love of reading and learning  

How do I sign up?

It's easy! Complete the form and pop by your preferred SCPL location to pick up your Grow A Reader package. Your package includes a book tracking bookmark, an information page, and your first 15 children's books.

Register Here

How much does it cost?

It’s free! All you need is an SCPL library card. Don't have a library card yet? Sign up for one today!

Library Card and Membership

How does the Program Work?

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program is designed to be fun and flexible to fit into your busy schedule.  

  • Register for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten online or pop by any SCPL location.
  • Pick up your Grow A Reader package and your first book bundle (15 kids books hand-picked just for you and your little!) Please note, books will be placed on hold using the library card number you registered with, and you will be notified when the book bundle holds are available. Please provide a day or two for library staff to assemble the bundles for pickup.
  • Track your reading progress with your child by checking off the "seeds" on your Tracking Bookmark.
  • When your Tracking Bookmark is full, return to any SCPL location to get a new one and, of course, check out some new books!
  • Tag #scpl1000b4k so that we can share in your little ones' reading journey as well.  

Out of new books or not sure what to read with your child?  

SCPL's Book Bundles make it easy for you to always have new and engaging titles to read together. With every Children's Book Bundle, you'll receive 15 hand-selected books that appeal to your children's interests and literacy developments. Simply, complete the Children's Book Bundle request form and pick up your bundle when it's ready to go!  

Request a Book Bundle

Contact Us

St. Catharines Public Library  
54 Church Street
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7K2


(905) 688-6103

All Locations & Hours

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