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

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, November 3rd, 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, November 3rd, 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, November 5th, 2025 
    10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3½ & Under  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come in for an enjoyable time with a special visitor, Mark Gorkin, reading his book Where is Charlotte? His story captures the game of Hide-and-seek, played by a feisty and fun little fireball. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

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


    Come in for an enjoyable time with a special visitor, Mark Gorkin, reading his book Where is Charlotte? His story captures the game of Hide-and-seek, played by a feisty and fun little fireball. Register for this event online.

  • Wee Ones in the Garden with Scarecrows

    Friday, November 7th, 2025 
    3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
    In-Person Event
    Ages 3 - 5 (With Guardian)  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    Come hear why people use scarecrows and make one of your own, using items supplied or brought from home. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, November 10th, 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, November 10th, 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, November 12th, 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 Pumpkin stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a fun craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, November 12th, 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 Pumpkin stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a fun craft. Register for this event online.

  • Native American Spear Throwing Workshop

    Saturday, November 15th, 2025 
    2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Off-Site Event | Discovery Center at Shenandoah River State Park, 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville
    Ages 7 & Up  REGISTRATION REQUIRED 


    There will be stories, a presentation on Native American history, the value of plants and stones, and opportunity to participate in throwing spears at hay bales. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, November 17th, 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, November 17th, 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, November 19th, 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 Thanksgiving stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a fun craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, November 19th, 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 Thanksgiving stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a fun craft. Register for this event online.

  • Music & Movement: Babies

    Monday, November 24th, 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, November 24th, 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, November 26th, 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 Family stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a fun craft. Siblings welcome. Register for this event online.

  • Read with the Sheriff Preschool Story Time

    Wednesday, November 26th, 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 Family stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a fun craft. Register for this event online.