Every Story Brings Us Closer

Reading with your child is one of the best ways to support brain development, strengthen your bond, and build essential early literacy skills. With 1000 Stories Before Kindergarten, you’ll help your child prepare for school success, one story at a time!

This self-paced program is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, along with their caregivers. Track your progress, collect stickers and prizes, and celebrate milestones together. 

 

How It Works

1. Sign Up
1000 Stories reading logs

Visit any FVRL location to register in person, or fill out the online form below. All children from birth until they start kindergarten are eligible. Once you sign up, you'll receive:

  • A welcome letter with instructions
  • A reading log booklet to track stories
  • Stickers for celebrating milestones
  • A magnetic picture frame as a welcome prize
  • Monthly 1000 Stories email newsletter subscription

If you register in person, you will receive materials immediately. 

If you register online, you will receive your welcome package by mail. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery.

Participants living outside the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) service area can download program materials to print at home: 

  • Reading Log Sheets: Use these to count the stories you read. Check off one box every time you complete a story. (Ten sheets in all.)
2. Read and Track

Every story counts! You can include books, audiobooks, oral storytelling, and even repeated readings. Use your reading log to track your progress and celebrate each milestone.

3. Earn Rewards

Visit the library or participate from home to collect stickers, a halfway prize, and a special certificate when you complete 1,000 stories! Claim your completion prize here.

 

Why 1,000 Stories?

Early literacy activities like reading together help your child develop vocabulary, increase reading readiness, and establish positive habits that last a lifetime. Reading three stories a day will surpass 1,000 stories in just one year!

 

Program Highlights

  • Flexible participation: Join from home, on the go, or by visiting your local library.
  • All stories count: Books, audiobooks, and even made-up stories all contribute to your total.
  • Self-paced: Complete the program on a schedule that works for your family.

 

A mother and baby attending Babytime at Murrayville Library

Join Our Community!

1000 Stories Monthly Newsletter

Subscribe for early literacy tips, themed book recommendations, fun activities, and more!

 

 

Sign Up for 1000 Stories

Fill out the form below and join the 1000 Stories community!
Subscription to the 1000 Stories Before Kindergarten early literacy newsletter.
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You will be automatically subscribed and consent to receiving information about FVRL’s 1000 Stories email newsletter. Inside you’ll find early literacy information, reading tips, book lists and fun activities that parents and toddlers can enjoy together – delivered monthly to your email inbox. (We will not sell or use email or personal information for any other purpose. You can opt out at any time – just click unsubscribe at the bottom of the newsletter.)  
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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility: Fraser Valley Regional Library's 1000 Stories Before Kindergarten program is for caregivers with young children and babies who have not yet entered kindergarten. The program is available to anyone who resides in any of the communities we serve: Abbotsford, Barnston Island (Metro Vancouver), Chilliwack, Delta, Fraser Valley Regional District, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Kent, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam and White Rock. Everyone is welcome to receive the 1000 Stories newsletter; to receive the newsletter without program enrollment, subscribe here.

Yes, but it’s easier than you think! Reading three stories a day adds up to over 1,000 in just one year.

Absolutely! Repetition supports learning, so each reading counts.

That’s fine! Reading aloud while your child plays nearby still builds literacy skills.

No. Any story counts — from a library book, a personal collection or even your imagination!

Yes! Stories read by anyone, anywhere, can be included.

1000 Stories Reading Lists

Your library has so many wonderful picture books to keep your child entertained and engaged. And remember, each story you read with your child moves you one step closer to the goal of 1,000 stories before kindergarten!

A brown owl with big eyes.

Nocturnal Animals

Explore the wonders of the night! These stories introduce kids to the amazing animals that roam, fly and play under the stars.

owl
Reading List
A young girl reads a book in bed.

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home! Explore the places, people, and things that make a house feel like a home. As you read, think about your own home and the things you love about it.

house
Reading List
A happy young boy holds a paint brush and a paint palette.

Art Stories

Art can transport us to different places, real and imaginary. And when we read together, art can help us visualize the stories. Here is a list of books that will add some colour to your world!

color_lens
Reading List
A happy boy in a wheelchair.

Learning About Disability

This list features picture books that celebrate disabled characters, explore different ways of moving through the world, and promote empathy, inclusion and self-acceptance.

accessible
Reading List
A little girl waters a plant with a watering can.

From Seed to Story

Whether your little ones are planting their first seeds, exploring how vegetables grow or simply curious about bugs and blooms, these books will inspire budding green thumbs. Perfect for story time or sparking outdoor adventures, each title encourages curiosity, patience and a love for the natural world — one page at a time.

potted_plant
Reading List
A dragonfly and a ladybug.

Amazing Insects

Get ready to crawl, fly, and buzz your way through an exciting collection of bug-filled books! This list is perfect for little nature lovers and curious explorers who want to learn about the incredible world of insects.

hive
Reading List
A spotted cow munches on grass and flowers.

On the Farm

Explore the world of farming through colourful picture books! From growing crops to caring for animals, these stories introduce young children to the rhythms of farm life, offering fun and valuable lessons about nature, hard work and community.

agriculture
Reading List
A young boy is playing football. He wears a football uniform and holds a football as he runs.

Sports

Whether it's the thrill of competition, the joy of teamwork or the spirit of determination, these stories will take us on exciting adventures.

sports_football
Reading List
A girl in a construction helmet looks at blueprints and gives a thumbs up.

Construction Site

Get ready to hear stories about hardworking construction trucks, busy builder, and big machines that help make the world a better place.

build
Reading List
A polar bear carries a cub on her back.

Polar Bears

Polar bears are amazing creatures! Teaching young kids about polar bears helps them understand the importance of wildlife and conservation.

landscape_2
Reading List
A young girl smells a flower.

Your Five Senses

We use our senses to observe and learn about the world around us. Touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing can all impact how we interpret the world.

ent
Reading List
A young girl hugs her grandfather.

Grandparents

Celebrate grandparents and the bond they have with their grandchildren in these heartwarming stories.

family_star
Reading List
Illustration of a cat standing on back legs and holding a pen and clipboard.

Customer Survey

Are you participating in the 1000 Stories Before Kindergarten program? Then we want to hear from you! We created 1000 Stories to help your child learn the early literacy skills needed for success in school. We're always working to improve the program, and you can help.

Tell us about your experience