1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 Books Before Kindergarten, child reading in green chair

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Embark on a literary adventure with the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge! This nationwide initiative encourages parents and caregivers to read regularly to their children, creating the foundation for school success. 

  • Open to all children not yet in kindergarten, the program welcomes participants without requiring a library card, although having one is encouraged.
  • Children and families earn awards as they reach reading milestones at 100, 300, 500, 700, and 1000 books. 
  • Every book counts, whether it's a book from QPL, read at storytime, or enjoyed at home. Various individuals can contribute to the reading journey, from parents and grandparents to librarians and teachers. 
  • Log your books through a written log or conveniently track them using Beanstack on quincylibrary.beanstack.com or the Beanstack Tracker App.

Join the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge at Quincy Public Library and unlock the joy of reading milestones!

Why 1000 Books before Kindergarten?

Reading to your child in early childhood is a fantastic way to set them up for success in school. It helps them build important skills like a bigger vocabulary, understanding letters and sounds, following stories, and gaining background knowledge. Most importantly, sharing books creates a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.

Join QPL's storytimes, children's activities, and programs like "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" to make reading a fun and educational part of your child's routine. It's a great opportunity for parents to support their child's learning journey at home.

Book River

Image for "Murder with a Cherry on Top"

Murder with a Cherry on Top

Kate McKay had doubts about swapping her high-powered life in Manhattan for Wolfert’s Roost, the quaint Hudson Valley village where she grew up. But her ailing grandmother needs her, so Kate decides to start fresh and indulge her dream of running an ice cream shop. All goes smoothly—until she’s reunited with old acquaintances nuttier than a vat of rocky road . . .
 
Kate should be thrilled about opening Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe. Instead her spirits melt like soft serve in the summer when she learns that her childhood frenemy, Ashley Winthrop, has started selling frozen treats in the bakery across the street. Turns out, Ashley hasn’t sweetened since high school. And, once again, she’s game for some very unfriendly competition . . .
 
But before Ashley can kill Kate’s new business, someone kills Ashley—stabbing her inside the bakery. Worse, the murder occurs right after the two rivals drew crowds with a heated argument, leaving half of Wolfert’s Roost speculating that Kate was finally pushed over the edge. With her reputation in serious trouble, Kate is determined to get the real scoop—even if it means joining forces with a former flame. But she’ll need far more than a sprinkle of wit if she wants to expose the killer and live to see another sundae . . .
 
“Decadent, deadly, and delightful! Murder with a Cherry on Top is a charmer of a cozy mystery. A delicious read that left me hungry for more.”
—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author
 
Includes mouthwatering ice cream recipes from the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe!