“1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” Aims to Grow Early Literacy in the Tri-County

On Saturday, October 7th, Trident United Way and the Tri-County library systems will celebrate the 2023 kick-off of their joint program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a nationwide challenge encouraging families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books with their children before they begin kindergarten. Reading aloud to children from birth helps strengthen language skills and build vocabulary, two critical tools in establishing early literacy.

Trident United Way, Berkeley County Library System, Charleston County Public Library and Dorchester County Library are partnering on 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten again this year with the duel goals of improving regional literacy gaps in the short-term and impacting the future skill base of our Tri-County workforce in the years ahead.

Key factors in promoting early literacy in the Tri-County:

• From birth to age five, 90% of a child’s brain development occurs
• 57% of Tri-County children are deemed “not ready” when starting kindergarten
• More than half of Tri-County 3rd graders are not reading at grade level

Events will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 10 am to 12 pm at libraries across the Tri-County. Community members can visit the branch locations below to learn more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, register for free, begin tracking their progress to earn prizes and more.

Participating locations include:

• Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews (1735 N. Woodmere Dr., Charleston)
• Moncks Corner (1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner)
• North Charleston (8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston)
• St. George Branch (506 North Parler Ave, St. George)
• St. Paul’s Hollywood (5130 Hwy 165, Hollywood)
• Summerville Branch (76 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville)
• Wando Mt. Pleasant (1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant)

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