Vayda Monaghan, left, and Owen Witt recognized for reaching milestones. PHOTO COURTESY OF REINBECK PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR LENAH OLTMAN

Reinbeck Public Library recently recognized 1000 Books Before Kindergarten participants Vayda and Owen on their achievements. Vayda Monaghan celebrated reading 400 books with her family. Owen Witt celebrated reading 300 books with his family. Congratulations Vayda and Owen on reading and reaping the rewards of building strong reading skills.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free, nationwide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud to young children. Studies show being read to during early childhood helps develop vocabulary and reading skills. Sharing books with children from birth better prepares them to enter kindergarten with the skills needed to succeed. The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program focuses on getting readers ready for success in school and promotes a lifelong love of books and reading. Parents with children aged birth to five years may sign up their children at the library, pick up a reading log and get their name on the Reader’s Rainbow.