By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Giving your child a head start for kindergarten can be as easy as reading a book, and the North Shelby Library is making it even easier with the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

The North Shelby Library is the first library in the state first library in the state to launch the early literacy initiative, children’s librarian Savannah Kitchens wrote in an email. The free program encourages families to read together, and rewards them for doing so.

Reading aloud and as a family has many benefits. According to the American Library Association, it can boost a child’s self esteem, increase family communication, develop creativity and strengthen listening, vocabulary, memory and language skills.

By reading just one book each day, a family can reach 1,000 books in three years.

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is open to families of children from birth to age five. Participants will receive a book tote bag filled with “early literacy tips and tricks,” Kitchens wrote. Each participating child will get a sheet to track the books they’ve read.

Children will get to display their reading accomplishments on the North Shelby Library’s bulletin board.

“We’re passionate about the importance of early literacy, and we think that this program…will really fulfill a need in our community,” Kitchens wrote.

Families may register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at any time starting Jan. 25. For more information, stop by the North Shelby Library at 5521 Cahaba Valley Road.