Hume City Council's early literacy program is celebrating a milestone, with 1000 Books Before School events being held at Hume Libraries in July.
The 1000 Books Before School program is open to children aged five and under to encourage parents and carers to read with them regularly, with small prizes handed out for reaching reading milestones.
Books can be read in any language, and the same book can be read many times to help children enjoy and connect with reading, helping them develop the vocabulary and pre-literacy skills they will need when they start school.
When a child completes the 1000 Books Before School program, they are invited to a special storytime to celebrate and be presented with their certificate.
More than 5000 children have participated in the 1000 Books Before School Program at Hume Libraries, making this year one to celebrate.
The 1000 Books Before School program began 10 years ago at Hume Libraries, later becoming a state-wide program, and to celebrate Hume Libraries is inviting everyone along to a special celebration storytime.
Register to join the free 10th Anniversary celebration in Broadmeadows on 18 July where you can learn about the program, hear from staff, and enjoy crafting activities.
Or learn more and register to get involved in the 1000 Books Before School Program.
Hume City Council is committed to providing children and young people access to an age-appropriate range of materials to support recreational reading, encourage the development of literacy, supplement their educational needs and stimulate their love of literature and reading.
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Jarrod Bell:
"We know that reading to kids every day is crucial for the healthy development of language, a love of reading, and for creating bonds between children and their carers.
The 1000 Books Before School program is a great way to encourage parents and carers to engage in this activity more regularly by making it a regular habit at home, and putting kids in the best position to start school with pre-literacy skills to hit the ground running.
We are so proud of Council's Hume Libraries team, who are now in their tenth year of the 1000 Books Before School program, getting more than 5,000 children involved and setting up an incredible legacy for young readers in Hume."
