The initiative is based on substantial research indicating that the more children are read to during their early years, the more prepared they will be to read when entering kindergarten.
Parents can register at any library branch, where they will be given a tracking sheet to log their first 100 books. Books can be from home or the library and can be read repeatedly.
After completing the first tracking sheet they can return to the library to receive a progress sticker and additional tracking sheets for books read in multiples of 100. Prizes will be awarded for levels of 100, 500 and 1,000 books read.
“Daily reading to infants, toddlers and preschoolers is the best way to establish a habit that will benefit them for a lifetime,” according to Abby Brown, the library’s early literacy specialist. “Whereas 1,000 books may sound daunting, if a parent reads one book a night to a child for three years, they will have read 1,095 books.”
More information is available by calling 317-275-4099 or visiting www.indypl.org.