Sammy Rose pictured with her personalized book at the Reinbeck Public Library after completing the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. PHOTO BY MICHELLE SIEH

REINBECK – Sammy Rose has read 1,000 books before kindergarten!

Sammy, 4, and her family love visiting the Reinbeck Public Library and filling their BIG bag with fun books to read – often checking out at least 20 at a time!

Sammy’s favorite books as of late are “Big Dogs, Little Dogs” and “Creepy Pair of Underwear!”. She likes reading books about dogs, and has two dogs at her house named Lucy and Sophie. Sammy also loves dinosaurs and can talk confidently about pretty much any dinosaur you’re wondering about.

One of Sammy’s most favorite times to read is before bed at night with Daddy.

Sammy’s personalized book is called “Sammy, Can You Find the Dinosaur?” – she was so excited to take it home and share it with her family.

Congratulations to Sammy and her parents on reaching this incredible milestone, and for checking in (and out) at the Reinbeck Library!

Background

The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless…and you get prizes! Win-win! Read a book (any book) to your infant, and/or toddler (any age 0-5). The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your little one starts kindergarten. If you read just one book a night you will have read 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at age five then you have two years to spare! Not only is this achievable, but you have the Reinbeck Public Library cheering you on and helping you along the way!

Here’s how it works:

-Check out stacks of library books. They are free! A librarian would even love to help you pick out the perfect books for any age, stage and interest.

-Story Times are every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the library. Every book counts!

-You will want to stop in at every 100 books so we can celebrate this awesome achievement and get you excited for the next 100!

For more information on the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, stop by the Reinbeck Public Library at 501 Clark Street during library hours, or visit https://www.reinbeck.lib.ia.us/services/reading-challenges.