This spring, the Atlantic County Library System is excited to launch the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. The goal of this program is to promote literacy and instill a life-long love of reading in your child. The concept is simple: read 1,000 books (any books) to your infant, toddler, or preschooler before she/he starts kindergarten.
How it works:
- Start: Register your child, ages 0-5, at any Atlantic County Library System branch to receive instructions and a reading log.
- Read: Any book -- new books or repeat books. If you read just 1 book a night to your child, they will have heard approximately 365 books in one year, 730 books in two years, and 1,095 books in three years.
- Track: Each time you read a book with your child, record it in the reading log or app. All books count, even ACLS storytime titles.
- Celebrate: Mark each milestone. Upon completion, your child will be presented with a certificate.
For more information about the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and reading suggestions, talk to any Atlantic County Library System staff member.
Printable Instructions
Many of Atlantic County Library System branches offer Storytimes and play dates throughout the year. Choose a location for dates, hours and registration information. Check back often to see upcoming reading times and special events.
Brigantine | Egg Harbor Township | Galloway Township
Hammonton | Mays Landing | Pleasantville | Somers Point | Ventnor
Storytime with Miss Bonnie
Support your child's early literacy skills by joining Miss Bonnie and her crew to hear stories, sing songs & make a quick craft.
- Fridays; September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 30, & December 7, 14, 21
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3 1/2 - 5.
Special Holiday Sing-Along with Grandfather Joe
Holiday season singing-along with Grandfather Joe. Sponsored by the Atlantic County Library Foundation.
- Thursday, December 13
- 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Registration requested.
- Open to all ages.
- Light refreshments provided. Advise library staff of food allergies.
Monday Baby Read & Play Baby Storytime
Bring your little ones for a morning of stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and more.
- Mondays; September 17, 24 October 1, 15, 22, 29, and November 5
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 6-36 month.
Preschool Storytime
Come out to hear stories, play games, do crafts & have fun!.
- Tuesdays; September 18, 25, October 2, 9 16, 23, & November 5
- Thursdays; September 20, 27, October 4, 11 18, 25, & November 5, 8
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3½-5.
Wednesday Baby Read & Play Storytime
Bring your little ones for a morning of stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and more!
- Wednesdays; September 19, 26, October 3,10,17, 24, and November 7
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 6-36 months.
Wednesday Preschool Read & Play Storytime
Come out to hear stories, play games, do crafts & have fun!
- Wednesdays; September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, and November 7
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3½-5.
Not-So-Scary Halloween Storytime
Have some Halloween fun with your little ones! Hear stories, play games, do crafts, and don't forget to wear your costumes!
- Wednesdays, October 24
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3½-5.
Furry Buddies
Read a story to Cody, Erin, or Freedom--therapy dogs who love sharing stories with children. Learn about the benefits of reading aloud to a therapy dog.
- Tuesdays; September 11, 25, October 9, 23, November 13, 27 and December 11
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Registration requested, but drop ins welcome.
- Suggested for ages up to 6-14.
Preschool Storytime
Enjoy listening to fun stories & making a cool craft!
- Tuesdays; September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, November 13, and December 4, 11 from 11 AM - 11:15 AM
- Wednesdays; September 19, 26, October 3,10, 17, 24, November 14, and December 5, 12 from 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3½-5.
Toddler Storytime
Bring your little ones to hear stories and sing songs!
- Wednesdays; September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 14, and December 5, 12 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Thursdays; September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 15, and December 6, 13 from 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 1½-3.
Thankful for Thanksgiving Storytime
Enjoy Thanksgiving stories, food & a craft!
- Monday; November 19
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3½-5.
- Please advise staff of any food allergies.
Sing Out Loud in Your Holiday Pajamas
Celebrate the holidays with cookies, hot chocolate, fun holiday stories & joyful music. Grandfather Joe has you singing at the top of your lungs & rolling on the floor with laughter.
Sponsored by the Atlantic County Library Foundation.
- Wednesday; December 5
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Registration required.
- Suggested for ages 2½-older.
- Please advise staff of any food allergies.
Storytime with Blossom the Therapy Chicken
You're invited to enjoy a special storytime featuring Gwenne and Blossom the therapy chicken. Don't miss this unique experience with barnyard-themed stories plus a craft.
- Tuesday; September 7
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Registration requested.
- Suggested for ages 3-5.
Storytime with Farley the Funny Farm Dog
Hear the story of Farley the Funny Farm Dog and learn about the various wild & wonderful animals living at the Funny Farm Animal Sanctuary.
- Tuesday; September 26
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Registration requested.
- Open to all ages.
Learning Readiness
Each session includes stories, an age appropriate craft, snacks & games.
- Tuesdays; September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9 , 16, 23, 30, November 13, 20, 27, & December 4, 11
- 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Please advise of any food allergies.
- Suggested for ages 3-5.
Preschool Learning Readiness
Enjoy listening to fun stories and making a cool crafts!
- Thursdays; September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 29, & December 6, 13
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Please advise of any food allergies.
- Suggested for ages 3-5.
Furry Buddies
Enjoy stories, rhymes & songs with your little one, designed to develop early literacy skills.
- Tuesdays; September 4, 18, October 2, 16, November 20, & December 4, 18
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 6-14
Preschool Storytime
Join us for fun stories & a simple craft, designed to develop early literacy skills.
- Mondays; November 5, 26, & December 3, 10
- 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3 1/2-5.
Storytime University
Miss Debbie uses the latest books and some old favorites to help introduce new vocabulary and reinforce learning. Children & their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and movement while building language and literacy skills.
- Saturdays; September, October, November & December
- 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3-6.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tot Tales
Stories, songs, a snack & a coloring craft.
- Wednesdays; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28, & December 5, 12
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 1-4.
- Siblings always welcome.
Read & Play Baby
Bring your little one for a morning of themed stories, songs, stretches, rhymes, puppets, felt boards, finger plays & more. Each story time will be between 30-45 minutes, and may end with parachute play. Designed to develop early literacy skills.
- Thursdays; September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 29, & December 6, 13, 20
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 12-36 months.
