PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Families with young children are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library. 

 

The Library will host a launch party on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, from 10:30 am to noon for families with children ages 0–5.

 

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free nationwide initiative encouraging regular reading habits in families with children five and under. The program is based on research that reading is an early indicator of academic success and the more books children under six have read to them, the more prepared they are to learn to read upon reaching kindergarten.

 

"Reading with young children is a powerful activity for the whole family," said Sara Russell-Scholl, youth services supervisor. "Reading books aloud creates a unique closeness between caregiver and child, allowing for an unhurried exploration of ideas and concepts. When children have positive interactions with and conversations about books and reading, they are more likely to persist through the challenges of learning to read themselves."

 

Families are invited to sing, play, and move with musician Emilia Dahlin, exploring themes of early literacy and learning through the interactive Sing Me a Story workshop. Afterward, enjoy crafts and refreshments while registering for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. This free event is sponsored by Mary Talmi.

 

Launch Party On Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:30 am join library staff and other early childhood organizations for a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten launch party.