1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Enroll in Beanstack

Program Overview

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free early literacy program for children from birth until they begin kindergarten. Families are encouraged to read together and track each book along the way.

Every book counts, including books read at storytime, books read by family members and favorite books read more than once. Re-reading books helps children learn new words, understand stories and build confidence.

The goal may sound big, but small reading habits add up quickly. Reading one book a day equals 365 books in a year. Reading three books a day can help families reach 1,000 books in less than a year.

How the Program Works

Families participate through Beanstack, Clearwater Public Library System's online reading tracker.

After enrolling, families can:

• Log books as they read.

• Track progress toward 1,000 books.

• Scan book barcodes using the Beanstack app.

• Receive notifications about milestones and prizes.

• Visit the library to celebrate progress and completion.

Children will earn rewards as they reach different reading milestones. Families can contact the library or visit any Clearwater Public Library location for help with Beanstack, logging books or claiming rewards.

Why Enroll

Reading with young children supports early learning and helps prepare them for kindergarten.

Participating in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten can help children:

• Build vocabulary and language skills.

• Strengthen listening and comprehension.

• Develop social and cognitive skills.

• Build attention, curiosity and imagination.

• Create a positive relationship with books.

• Practice routines that support school readiness.

Reading together also creates meaningful family time and offers a healthy alternative to screen use. Whether families read at bedtime, after school, during library visits or throughout the day, every book helps children grow.

Sign Up in Beanstack

Need help getting started? or visit any Clearwater Public Library location for assistance.

Beanstack Tutorial

An instructional video will be added to this page soon. The video will show families how to sign in to Beanstack, register for the program, log books, scan barcodes and track rewards.

Program Milestones and Rewards

Children will be recognized as they make progress toward 1,000 books. Milestone rewards help celebrate each step and encourage families to keep reading.

For help with enrollment, Beanstack or program details, contact Clearwater Public Library System.