Corbin Public Library challenges parents to read 1,000 books to children before they start kindergarten

The Corbin Public Library is encouraging local parents to read 1,000 books to their children before they begin kindergarten.

“By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal in three years and provide their children essential early literacy skills,” library officials stated in a press release announcing the program.

Circulation Clerk Fred Slusher said participants will receive a log on which to record each of the first 100 books after they have been read.

“When the log is filled, the child may return it to the library to have it recorded and to receive another log,” Slusher explained adding a certificate would be issued recognizing each completed log.

Slusher said the family is free to pick and choose the books.

“This is about making sure they are getting vocabulary read to them,” Slusher said.

Carla Lawson, a kindergarten teacher at Corbin Primary School praised the program, explaining that reading to a child on a regular basis pays big dividends in school.

“You see a child that is much more ready for kindergarten,” Lawson said explaining that the child automatically begins picking up certain sounds and tends to be more focused in school.

“It sets them up to be a much more successful reader,” Lawson said.

More information about the program is available by coming into the library or calling 526-6366.

The 1000 Books Foundation is a nonprofit public charity.

The program is currently ongoing in more than 190 library branches across Kentucky.

Information about the national organization may be found online at www.1000booksbeforekindergarten.org, or at the organization’s Facebook page.