The Cinnaminson Library celebrates the one year anniversary of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative
Stephen Finn
The Sun
On Wednesday, Jan. 23, there was a raucous party at the Cinnaminson Library. This party was not one of the “Animal House” variety, however. This was a party celebrating the joys of reading.
The Burlington County Library System joined the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative one year ago. Libraries throughout the county have been celebrating the anniversary with a party for children participating in the initiative whether they have completed their 1,000 books or are new to the program.
The program is a nationwide initiative that encourages parents to read to children at a young age. Participants keep track of how many books they have read or have had read to them using Beanstack, a reading challenge app. Each milestone reached earns the child an online badge they can show at their local library to be featured on a wall of fame.
“It’s been highly successful,” said Kristie Winks, children’s librarian at the Cinnaminson Library. “I’m a big believer in it, that the kids who go into school having been read to have an advantage over kids who haven’t been read to. We’re really proud to have it here.”
In the Cinnaminson Library’s youth services department, children who have hit milestones on their way to 1,000 books have their picture taken and are added to the wall of fame to be recognized for their achievements.
Winks believes the library should be a place children want to be, and a place where learning can happen outside of the classroom.
“I think we act as a continuing education kind of outlet where we’re not here to replace preschool, we’re here to supplement it. It’s a place of self-directed learning, something everyone needs,” said Winks.
Kim Yarson acted as a master of ceremonies for the anniversary party, leading sing-along songs about books and reading on her guitar and distributing egg shakers to each child so everyone could participate in the music-making.
Yarson is a book lover herself and wants to pass that love of reading on to children.
“I love reading. I’m always reading about 10 books at the same time. I’ve put my kids into the library system so early on that my one kid would go to bed with 15 books on his lap,” said Yarson.
More than just a pleasure activity, Yarson believes books are fundamental to our development as people.
“I think it’s important because reading makes people grow, it’s the foundation of our language and how we will learn for the rest of our lives,” said Yarson.
Local parents crowded into the library’s meeting room with little readers in tow ready to join the dance. Jackie Casey brought her 2-year-old granddaughter Quinn Dreby to the celebration so she could interact with children her age. Casey is a believer in the power of reading and thinks the program is a great way to get kids excited about it.
“I think it’s wonderful, even at that age it encourages them to read,” said Casey. “It’s a thing that just broadens their creativity and their imagination.”
If you would like to get your child involved in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative, download the Beanstack app and register online at bcls.lib.nj.us/beanstack or sign up at the Cinnaminson Library.
