By SALINA POST
The Salina Public Library is promoting literacy among young children through a new initiative that encourages the reading of 1,000 books before youngsters head to school.
The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a nationwide challenge for pre-K children and their parents/caregivers. The Salina Public Library kicked off its part of the program in January. The age range for children participating is birth through five.
“We could not be more excited to start this program here at the library,” Heather Mettlen, library youth programmer, said. “It’s extremely important for a child’s literacy and brain development to start reading early in life. Our aim with this program is to create that environment in the home.”
Organizers believe the 1,000 books challenge is an easy way to get children ready to learn and read. The concept is simple. Parents and caregivers begin reading books to children when they are quite young, with the goal of completing 1,000 books by the time children enter kindergarten.
"Numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read. Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success. Public formal education does not typically start until ages 5-6. Before then, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the 0-5 early critical years," the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten organization noted on its website.
According to information from the Salina Public Library, prizes will be awarded after 100, 500, and 1,000 books are read.
"Those who finish 1,000 books will also receive a completion certificate and a shout out on the SPL’s social media channels," the library noted.
Tracking sheets can be downloaded from the library's website. They also are available at the Youth Services desk on the lower level of the library, 301 W. Elm Street.