Children and Teen Services

Library Programs for Children and Teens

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power?  The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success!  Any child ages birth to five years who is eligible for our library’s services can participate.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Introduction Letter

Just follow these steps:

1. Register: Below is a link to our online registration or a copy of the registration you can print.
Online Registration
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Registration

2. Track Your Reading: The library will supply a reading log to keep track of the books you read with your child on your reading record.

3. Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member.

4. 100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 250 books, let the library know and receive your special reward.

5. 1,000 Books: You did it! Celebrate!  Your child’s name will be placed on the 1,000 Book Wall of Fame and you will receive your final reward.

6. Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000!  Keep on reading together.

Singing songs, saying rhymes, telling stories, and playing with your child are all great ways to build their literacy skills.

Tips for Early Literacy Experiences for Babies and Toddlers

One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than 3 years.  If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year! 

Books for Kids Program

Join the Books for Kids program designed to provide kids daily access to books throughout the year.  We want to motivate kids to help develop a love of reading, spark the imagination and provide tools for future success in school and beyond.

The Books for Kids program is the same program that the Iowa Braille School (IESBVI) has provided in the past.  The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled will now be providing the Books for Kids Program to children across Iowa.  The Library is excited to offer this program.

The program provides at least five Braille, print/Braille, large print and/or audio books each month to participants, including summer months.  It allows for the child to choose the books they want in as many formats as they would like to receive.  The books can be sent to the child’s home, school and/or other addresses.  
Books for Kids Program Letter
Books for Kids Program Braille School Letter

To join the Books for Kids Program just follow these steps:

1. Complete Library Application:  Library Application Form. If your child is not already a library patron, complete an application for service from the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. 

2. Register: Complete the Books for Kids registration form.  This form will provide us with the information we need to send books to your child.  Below is a link to an online registration form and a link to a registration form you can print.

Online Registration
Books for Kids Program Registration

3. Return Forms to the Library.

Once we have received these forms, the library will begin sending books to your child.  You can let the library know if there are changes in the books your child would like to receive, how often your child would like to receive books or changes in address information at any time.