Reading is a family affair

Miriam Beintema recently completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Newton Public Library a few days before her third birthday!

Miriam’s dad said the 1,000 Books program was a great experience for the whole family. Miriam’s older siblings were excited to help track her reading, and they became invested in helping read to her every day in order to meet the 1,000 book goal. So congratulations to the entire Beintema family on helping Miriam complete the program.

Miriam received a Dr. Suess bag full of items to help her get ready for kindergarten, and a book to keep. Miriam will have a great jumpstart for school, because studies show that being read to every day at home is the single biggest predictor of later success in school. Reading together every day is also a wonderful way to bond with your child. Reading 1,000 Books is not as hard as it might sound, if you read just one book per day to your child, it will take three years to hit the 1,000 books mark.

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is an ongoing program at the Newton Public Library, and you can register your child as soon as they are born. It’s never too early to start sharing books with your child. When you register you will receive a canvas 1,000 Books Bag which is great for hauling library books, and you will also receive a board book to keep. Stop by the library to register or register at this link: https://www.newtongov.org/892/1000-Books-Before-Kindergarten