1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Join our reading readiness program designed to expose children to an assortment of classic stories that will help them on their journey to become independent readers! Sign up online or in person at the Youth Reference desk.

The program is ongoing throughout the year, so you may start any time. Periodically, as children accomplish listening milestones they will be invited to special parties at the library to celebrate their achievement!

This program is designed to encourage parents and caregivers to read at least 1000 books to children from birth to kindergarten.

If you have any questions, please contact the Youth Reference department at children@samuelslibrary.net or 540.635.3153 ext. 106. Follow this link for more information on using Beanstack.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten logo

Events for Ages 5 & Under

  • Toddler Story Time

    Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Mushroom stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Read with the Sheriff Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    This week we will have a special guest from the Sheriff’s office! Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Mushroom stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour, with a special guest from the fire department, filled with Fire stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. You can even explore a fire truck! Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour, with a special guest from the fire department, filled with Fire stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. You can even explore a fire truck! Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour with Fire stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour with Fire stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Register for this event online.

  • StoryWalk® at Eastham Park with Warren County Fire Department

    Saturday, October 4th, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Off-Site Event | Eastham Park, 860 Luray Avenue, Front Royal
    All Ages


    October is Fire Safety Month so come read the new story, Lou by Breanna Carzoo, check out a fire truck, and do a craft!

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, October 6th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 23 Months & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Toddlers & Preschool

    Monday, October 6th, 2025 
    11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 2 - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with turtle stories, sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour with local author, Danny Barron, reading his story, Turtle’s Treacherous Trip. We will have sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Thursday, October 9th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with turtle stories, sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Thursday, October 9th, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour with local author, Danny Barron, reading his story, Turtle’s Treacherous Trip. We will have sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, October 13th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 23 Months & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Toddlers & Preschool

    Monday, October 13th, 2025 
    11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 2 - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, October 20th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 23 Months & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Toddlers & Preschool

    Monday, October 20th, 2025 
    11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 2 - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Thursday, October 22nd, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Fall stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Read with the Sheriff Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    This week we will have a special guest from the Sheriff’s office! Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Fall stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Fall stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Fall stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, October 27th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 23 Months & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Toddlers & Preschool

    Monday, October 27th, 2025 
    11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 2 - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Halloween stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Halloween stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Register for this event online.

  • Toddler Story Time

    Thursday, October 30th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Halloween stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Thursday, October 30th, 2025 
    11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ - 5  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Halloween stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Register for this event online.