Library Launches 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program   Clifton Forge, VA (Dec. 28, 2017) - Clifton Forge Public Library Director, Mike Barnes, is pleased to announce the launch of a new reading program, beginning January 2. A nationwide program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their children. By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal in less than three years. Reading provides children with essential early literacy skills. It stimulates understanding the sounds that letters make, develops a bigger vocabulary, aids in understanding the structure of sentences, and builds background knowledge. Each of these is an important skill that helps prepare children for learning to read and for entering kindergarten. Research indicates that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. More importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is for children from birth to age five. Children ages three and four will be given a modified goal to reach. To participate in the program, parents or legal guardians need to fill in a registration form at the Clifton Forge Public Library and pick up program materials. At certain reading milestones as well as when they complete the program, children will receive rewards. To register your children for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, stop by the Clifton Forge Public Library, located at 535 Church Street. For information on any library program, phone 863-2519.

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