Early Learning: Ages Birth-5

We invite you to participate in this free program which helps you read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten.
How it works:
- Register by visiting the Youth Services Desk, emailing youth@reedlibrary.org or calling the Youth Services Department at 330-296-2827 x300.
- Track each time you read a book with your child.
- 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.
- Need Recommendations? Check out our Top 50 Books to read with your child before they turn 5.
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Book Milestones: Earn a sticker for each 100 books, plus bonus prizes at certain milestones.
- 100 Books: Tote bag - so you can check out more books
- 500 Books: Free book - keep on reading
- 1,000 Books: You did it! Dedicate a book plate in your favorite library book, go on our 1,000 Books Wall of Fame, and receive a t-shirt that says “I read 1,000 Books before Kindergarten”
Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000; there’s more learning ahead!
FAQ
- Who can participate in this program? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
- Help! I don't know which books to read! Our staff will gladly help you pick some books. Or, get started by taking a look at our top 50 books to read with your child before they turn five. Make sure you also sign up for the Imagination Library!
- Is this even possible? If you read three books a day to your child in just one year you'll have read 1,095 books! And you have several years to complete the program.
- What if my child wants to read the same book over and over? Repetition is key to learning. Each time you read a book, it counts. If you read the same book 5 times, log it 5 times.
- Can I log the books my child hears in storytime? Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.
Let us help you find books for your little learners with Personalized Picks!
- Register and fill out the survey to let us know your little one's reading interests.
- We will surprise you with 3 books every month, for 3 months.
- Wait for us to let you know that your books are ready for pick up. (This may take up to 2 weeks after you have completed your survey)
- Pick up your custom-selected books to read.
- Enjoy and come back next month for more!
bookworm boxes for littles

A new Bookworm Box is available each month,
themed and handpicked by our staff.
Sign up for next month's box now.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio operates in Portage County as a collaboration of United Way of Portage County Ohio, Reed Memorial Library, Kent Free Library and the Portage County Library District. This program, championed by Ohio's First Lady, Fran DeWine, is designed to improve the literacy rates of the youngest Ohioans. If your child is under the age of 5, they can receive one free book a month, mailed to your home. Don't wait, enroll today!

