reading program - WKTV Journal

KDL has offered the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program since 2015 (Courtesy, KDL)

By Kent District Library

deborah@wktv.org

Kent District Library (KDL) has offered the program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten since 2015. This year, KDL is pleased provide a new and improved version with the same great outcomes.

The updated program introduces an online tracking option, includes a book with early literacy activities and features Michigan woodland animals.

Reading to children helps them learn early literacy skills (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

All children, infant to kindergarten, are encouraged to participate in this program designed to prepare kids for school. For every 100 books read, kids will earn an animal sticker for their tracking poster. When you reach 1,000 books, your child will be awarded a certificate of achievement and their very own book bag!

Repeating books, listening to audio books, paging through a board book, books read at storytime and reading books in any language all count toward the goal.

“Last year, we committed to creating new inspiration for this popular reading program to ensure that it would remain a fun, relevant and engaging way to encourage early literacy for this generation,” said Dawn Heerspink, Branch Librarian at the Byron Township Branch.

Completing the program is simple, Heerspink continued. “Start or continue reading at least one book a day with the child in your life and see how one book multiplies into many books, all helping that child learn the early literacy skills they need to grow into a reader who enjoys books.”

Stop in to any KDL branch to pick up a tracking and activity booklet for your child that includes a progress poster. Track your reading using the book, online at kdl.beanstack.org, or on the Beanstack app.

Learn more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at kdl.org/1KB4K.

Time to start checking out books for the KDL Let It Snow adult reading program.

BY WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Kent District Library’s “Let It Snow” reading program for adults returns in January.

Adults (18 and older) who participate and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Wednesday, Jan. 2, and Sunday, March 31, will receive a Let It Snow coffee mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles are entered into a drawing to win either an iPad or a one-year Costco membership.

“Let it Snow is a fun and engaging program for adults to participate in during the dreary winter months,” said former Byron Township Youth Library Barb DeYoung. “With the book lists provided, readers can find new authors or select books they normally wouldn’t pick out. Cozying up with a good book is the perfect cure for those winter blahs!”