City Introduces New Early Childhood Literacy Program

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries (LCL) Director, today introduced a new reading initiative designed to strengthen early childhood literacy and connect families with library resources. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program begins November 9 and encourages families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with children before they enter kindergarten.

“When families read together, they build the language, literacy, cognitive, social, and emotional skills that prepare young children for future success in school and in life,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “By helping more families build that habit from the very beginning, we help more of Lincoln’s youngest residents get a strong start.”

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird and Director Wieber at the news conference at Walt Branch Library, 6701 S. 14th St., were Ali Bousquet, LCL Youth Services and Outreach Coordinator, and Liz Arnold, Just Like Mine Daycare Owner.

Bousquet said the program gives families a simple framework for building a shared reading habit with their children. Participants may sign up at all eight library locations, LCL’s two bookmobiles, and the Beanstack app. Parents and caregivers can track their reading digitally at lincolnlibraries.beanstack.com or via paper reading logs available at each library.

For every 250 books, children can celebrate their progress with a small prize. At the first milestone, they'll receive a Storytime play scarf, along with tips for using it while reading together and links to videos of some of LCL’s favorite early literacy rhymes. Other prizes include a pass to Morrill Hall Museum and a library T-shirt. Adult readers are also eligible for a small drink from The Mill Coffee & Tea. Children that complete the 1,000-book challenge will receive a special T-shirt and diploma to celebrate their achievement.

“It's not about how quickly you get to 1,000. It's about all those little moments along the way, sharing a favorite story, laughing together or hearing that same book for the 23rd time,” Bousquet said. “And hopefully, when families reach 1,000 books, reading together won't feel like a challenge anymore. It'll just be something they do.”

Wieber said the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program shows that the City is investing in the future success of its youngest residents by helping more families make reading part of everyday life and connecting families to Lincoln libraries.

“Early childhood literacy is crucial for life success, and we know libraries are part of the equation to assist families and set the stage for kindergarten readiness,” Wieber said. “The beauty of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is in its simplicity, ease of participation, and positive results – proving that a daily habit of reading together can shape a child’s future one story at a time.”

Arnold said that in addition to development of child literacy skills, the initiative will help connect parents and childcare providers.

“Because when parents and providers share in a child's love of books, we're sharing more than stories. We're sharing little glimpses into the child’s day. Those conversations build trust and strengthen the relationship between parents and providers. They remind children that the important adults in their lives are connected, celebrating their discoveries and sharing the world with them,” Arnold said.

Watch for more information about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program coming soon!