The Mancos Public Library, located at 211 W. First St., is offering a new program for families with children ages birth to 5 or 6 years old.
"1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" is an early-literacy initiative that has gained nationwide momentum. Families stop in at MPL and fill out a registration card. They will then be given a folder that will help keep track of the books read.
The goal is to reach 1,000 before the child begins kindergarten. After each 100 books, children will be given a small reward, and when they reach 1,000 a simple, sweet celebration will take place at the library and participants will be given a book of their choice to keep.
Books read at home, preschool, library, friend's house, the dentist office, etc., all count! Enjoying the same book over and over counts as well, because children love repetition.
This program is free and is sponsored by a generous grant from the Cortez Wal-Mart.
For more information, call the library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org.