The Louisville Free Public Library is challenging parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books to small children before they reach Kindergarten.Mayor Greg Fischer says the program is part of a holistic and comprehensive approach to education in Louisville—an approach that also includes the 55,000 Degrees initiative.“An at risk kid shows up at Kindergarten three years behind a child from a thriving environment," Fischer says."So here you are at 6 years old and you’re already three years behind. How are you going to catch up? Well, the truth is 90 percent of those kids don’t catch up.”Reading children books can help improve their vocabulary and also school readiness, he says.Library director Craig Buthod says the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge can lead to a better educated Louisville.“A big part of how we do that as a community is share literacy and reading and learning with the youngest of our citizens," Buthod says.A picture book takes five minutes to read, library officials say.Louisville Free Public Library branches have reading logs available that also include book recommendations. Children who meet certain milestones will get prizes.The Main Branch at 301 York St. is hosting a free kickoff Event Saturday morning. It starts at 10 a.m. and will include books, art activities and games inspired by the book "Harold and the Purple Crayon." For more information on the 1,000 Books challenge, go here.(Image via Shutterstock)
