Click HERE for a digital version of our Summer Reading brochure for ages Birth – 6th grade. Teen Summer Reading info can be found HERE.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program designed to help you raise a reader. Reading aloud to your child is the best way you can get your child ready to read. The idea is very straightforward: read any 1,000 books to your child before kindergarten begins.
Any child from birth to Pre-K may register for the program.
Stop by the Youth Services Desk to register and get a free tote bag, your child’s log and a list of recommended books.
For every book you read to your child, your child can color in a circle on the log sheet.
After every 100 books read, bring your sheet in to the library to collect a small prize and another sheet until you reach 1,000!
Frequently Asked Questions:
My child loves to read the same book over and over. Is that okay?
Absolutely! Each time you read a book to your child, whether it’s the same book over and over or different books each time, color in a circle on your log.
My child heard 3 books at storytime today. Do those books count?
Any book counts, whether your child listens to it in storytime or preschool, at home or in the car. The books don’t have to come from the Whiting Public Library.
I have more than one child. Can I count the same book for each of them?
Definitely!
How do I know which books to read?
There is no set list of 1,000 books. Read whatever books your child likes! We are happy to help you find good books for your child
Designed just for our littlest library friends, Itty Bitty Storytime is perfect for infants and toddlers! Join Miss Laurie for gentle stories, songs, and interactive play that support early learning and bonding. Caregivers and little ones welcome!
Unwind after school with a cozy storytime followed by a simple, hands-on craft. Kids will enjoy listening to a fun story and creating something to take home. Stories and activities geared toward elementary students.
Bring the whole crew for Family Game Night! Enjoy a variety of board games for all ages—whether you love classics like Monopoly and Uno or want to try something new, we’ve got something for everyone. All games are provided. Just drop in, play, and make memories together!
Join Miss Laurie at Whiting Public Library for Preschool Storytime! Enjoy engaging stories, hands-on playtime, and a fun craft designed just for little learners. This interactive program helps build early literacy skills while making new friends—perfect for ages 3–5 and their caregivers.
Rev up your imagination at Wheelie Wednesday! This Hot Wheels free-play program lets kids race, build tracks, and create epic car adventures. We provide the cars and track—just bring your creativity! Perfect for kids and families who love things that go vroom!
Discover, play, and grow at Little Explorers, a sensory-rich program for children ages 18 months to preschool at Whiting Public Library! Enjoy unstructured, hands-on free-play designed to engage young minds and support early development. Adults must accompany children during this interactive experience.
Join the Family STEAM Squad for hands-on fun and learning! Each month, families work together on exciting STEAM-based activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) that spark curiosity and creativity. From building circuits to creating art with science, there’s something new to explore every time. All ages welcome—supplies will be out at 6pm. Drop in […]
