The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to 5 years can participate, just follow these steps: 

  1. Register: Sign up at your local 4CLS library, or online at 4clsny14.readsquared.com 
  1. Track your reading: Use the reading trackers to record how many books you are reading. 
  1. Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as your child listens to the entire book. 
  1. 100-Book Milestone: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading tracker to the library to receive a new sticker on your Reading Achievement Chart. Take home a new reading tracker sheet for your next 100 books.  
  1. 1,000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at your library and see your child’s name placed on a bookplate in the library collection. 
  1. Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep reading together; there’s more learning ahead! 

One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than 3 years. If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year! Ask our friendly staff for suggestions—we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten! 




Our adult friends with disabilities and their caregivers can join us for Fun with Friends! No registration is required.


Check out all that we have to offer!

  • We have a very large collection of books for readers and listeners of all ages including a large collection of graphic novels. We also offer an extensive collection of Playaways, Wonderbooks, board games, video games, audiobooks, DVDs, and more.
  • Computers are available with early literacy games; there are others for internet use by children.
  • We offer a variety of programs such as story times for children birth through preschool, monthly book clubs for elementary students throughout the school year, special events for children and families, and a wide variety of summer programs for all ages. We always have independent programs or activities that you can do in the Children’s Room too!
  • Any one of our department’s four mastered librarians would be happy to answer your questions. Please come visit us!