Tucked away in the children’s section of the Port Townsend Public Library is a wall dedicated to the finishers of the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program. 

“It’s really all about building this lifelong joy of reading and modeling the joys of reading,” said Port Townsend Community Services Director Melody Sky Weaver. “A thousand books before kindergarten really seeds that in our families.” 

Launched at the library in 2014, the program, sponsored by Port Townsend Library Friends, and Foundation, encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their children before kindergarten. 

Youth and Outreach Library Manager Emily Rucker said that, while it may seem daunting, reaching the 1,000-book mark is definitely achievable. She recommends families start small. 

“If you have 10 minutes, use those 10 minutes. If you can come to a story time, come to a story time,” Rucker said. “Build it into your daily routine, whether that’s at bedtime or snack time. Whatever works for your family.” 

Weaver agreed, saying, “Little daily habits add up.” 

Parents will be glad to know that they can count the same book as many times as their child wants to read it. 

This year, the library has revamped the program, featuring artwork designed by local author and illustrator Faith Pray.

When designing the program’s art, which features a bear reading to its cub on the beach at Fort Worden, Pray said she wanted to capture the feeling of closeness and care. 

“I also wanted to pull in a hint of my 2019 PT Library’s Summer Reading design. Hence, the bears,” Pray said. “And where better to enjoy a book together than a sunny day at Fort Worden?” 

The benefits of reading to children, especially before they reach school age, are substantial, Rucker said. 

“All of those skills that you are developing, like reading with your child at home or coming to a story time, they help set kids up for school,” Rucker said. “There’s lots of studies that show that kids that have had that experience in the home or have gone to programs, they are going to transition to a school setting much better. They are set up for success.” 

Beyond that, Weaver said reading fiction is one of the most effective ways to build empathy. 

“If you want to help people understand other people’s lived experience or walk a mile in another person’s shoes, you read fiction,” she said. 

Families participating in the program will receive a story tracker and a tote bag featuring Pray’s artwork upon signing up. 

Once 1,000 books have been read, children who participate will receive a free book from the Port Townsend Library Friends and Foundation, along with a signed certificate from the library staff. If they wish, their picture will be added to the coveted finisher wall. Families will also receive a full-color print of Pray’s artwork. 

“The big piece that we are hoping to have is making this accessible for all families,” Rucker said. “Reading and time spent together is achievable for whatever your family looks like.”

For help getting started, Rucker keeps a list of staff recommendations on the library’s website. More information regarding the program can also be found there.