A pre-school reading program which began in Hume is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The 1000 Books Before School program began 10 years ago at Hume Libraries and later becoming a statewide program.
The 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.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said council understood 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,” he said.
“We are so proud of council’s Hume Libraries team, who are now in their 10th year of the 1000 Books Before School program, getting more than 5000 children involved and setting up an incredible legacy for young readers in Hume.”
To celebrate the anniversary, a special storytime will be held in Broadmeadows on July 18.
Details: https://www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/Library-Services/1000-Books-Before-School
