STAR JOURNAL REPORT

A small group of Rhinelander area children celebrated a big milestone recently at the Rhinelander District Library. Each preschooler has has 1,000 books read to them.

Children were treated to a drive-in movie and popcorn for their accomplishments. They created their own cars from large boxes and sat in them while they enjoyed a movie.

“The ‘1,000 Books Before Kindergarten’ program started about a year-and-a-half ago as a result of a grant I received for an Early Literacy class I took through UW-Madison,” said associate librarian Denise Chojnacki. “Parents sign their children up and receive a free book with a folder and reading log to track books.  Every hundred books read to their child earns an incentive.”

Repeat readings count, so, 1,000 books can take as little as nine months or up to three years, but Chojnacki said it’s geared toward the pace of the families.

“It’s a terrific program and Wisconsin has a lot of libraries participating,” she added.

For more information, contact the Rhinelander District Library, at 715-365-1070.

Photos courtesy of Rhinelander District Library.