The Atlantic County Library System is excited to promote 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 City | Egg Harbor Township | Galloway Township
Hammonton | Mays Landing | Pleasantville | Somers Point | Ventnor
Stories, Stay and Play
Support your child's early literacy skills by hearing enjoyable stories, singing songs & making a quick craft. Stay and play in the Brigantine branch kids' room afterwards.
- Saturdays; January February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and March 7, 14, 21, 28
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 1 1/2 - 3.
- Siblings welcome.
Sensory Storytime for Special Needs
Different theme and stories every month.
- Tuesdays; January 7, February 4, and March 3
- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 1 1/2 - 5.
- Advise staff of any food allergies.
All Things Dave Shannon
Celebrate the stories of David Shannon, create a "David" mask, and color various other pictures.
- Saturday, March 28
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration requested.
- Suggested for ages 3-8.
Preschool Storytime
The latest books & some old favorites will help introduce new vocabulary & reinforce learning. Children & their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, crafts, games & movement while building language & literacy skills.
- Mondays; Tuesdays; January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 3, 10, 17, 24
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3-5.
Tell a Fairy Tell Day
Have a happily ever after kind of day enjoying a fairy tale or two.
- Wednesday, February 26
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Registration not required.
- Suggested for ages 3-8.
Dr. Seuss's Birthday Special Storytime
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with books, games, themed food & more. Oh, the fun you will have!
- Monday, March 2
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3-6.
- Please advise library staff of any food allergies.
Toddler Read & Play Baby Storytime
Bring your child to enjoy songs, puppets, fingerplays, simple crafts & of course, books!
- Mondays; January 13, 27, February 3, 10, 24, and March 2
- Wednesdays; January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 4
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 6 months - 2 years and their caregivers.
Preschool Storytime
The latest books & some old favorites will help introduce new vocabulary & reinforce learning. Children & their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, crafts, games & movement while building language & literacy skills.
- Tuesdays; January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 3
- Thursdays; January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 5
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3 -5.
Bedtime Storytime
Hear sweet bedtime stories, have a snack, & make a craft!
- Wednesdays; January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 4
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Registration required for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3 1/2 - 5.
- Please advise staff of any food allergies.
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; January 14, 28, February 11, 25, and March 10, 24
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Registration requested, but drop ins welcome.
- Suggested for ages up to 6-14.
123 Read
Children and their caregivers will be ready for the day after this afternoon story hour filled with great books, songs, and play.
- Wednesdays; January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 26, and March 4, 11, 18, 25
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Open to ages 0-3 and their caregivers
Goodnight, Library Storytime
Come say goodnight to the library but first stretch, sing, and get your nightly wiggles out with Miss Shagufta. There will be stories and an easy activity too. Wearing pajamas is encouraged. Please bring your favorite stuffed animal along.
- Wednesdays; January 8, 22, February 5, 19, and March 4, 18
- 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
- Registration required for each session.
- Open for ages 4-7.
- A light bedtime snack provided. Please advise staff of any food allergies when registering.
Pre-K Club
Children will enjoy this interactive story hour, which includes a craft.
- Thursdays; January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 27, and March 5, 12, 19, 26
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Registration required for each session.
- Open to ages 3½-5.
Let Loose with Dr. Seuss
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with Seuss stories, silly photos, and activities...oh, and cake.
- Monday, March 2
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Registration required.
- Recommended for ages 6-999.
- Please advise staff of any food allergies.
Preschool Storytime
The latest books & some old favorites will help introduce new vocabulary & reinforce learning. Children & their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, crafts, games & movement while building language & literacy skills.
- Tuesdays; January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Thursdays; January 9,16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3-5.
Dr. Seuss Birthday Party
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with us as we make a Dr. Seuss pencil holder, Truffala Tree pencils & play pin the heart on the Grinch. Oh, the fun you’ll have!
- Monday, March 2
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Registration required.
- Suggest for ages 3 and older.
- All materials and snacks will be provided, please advise of any food allergies.
Furry Buddies
Read a story to therapy dogs, Freedom, Erin, & Cody, who love sharing stories with children.
- Tuesdays; January 7, 21, February 4, 18, and March 3, 17
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 6-14
Preschool Storytime
The latest books & some old favorites will help introduce vocabulary & reinforce learning.
- Mondays; January 6, 13, 27, February 3, 10, 24, and March 2, 9, 16, 23
- 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 3 1/2-5.
Playdate at the Library
Enjoy stories, rhymes & songs with your little one, all designed to develop early literacy skills.
- Wednesdays; January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 4, 11, 18, 25
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 6 - 36 months.
Saturday Morning Stories
Enjoy stories, songs, and movements designed to encourage early literacy skills, simple crafts, and other fun activities.
- Saturdays; January 11, 25, February 8, 22, and March 7, 21
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 1-4.
Winter Toddler Fest
Get out of the house and let your little ones burn off some steam. Enjoy a morning of free play, dancing, and other fun activities.
- Thursday; January 31 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Saturday; February 1 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Suggested for ages 6 months - 4 years.
Adult Sensory Storytime
Enjoy stories, songs, and simple crafts. Caregivers must remain present.
- Thursdays; January 24, February 28, and March 27
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Registration requested for each session.
- Open to adults with special needs.Enjoy stories, songs, and simple crafts. Caregivers must remain present.
Rhythm and Rhyme Storytime
Join us for this storytime filled with the rhymes and rhythms of your favorite storybooks -- and some new ones as well!
- Saturdays; January 18, February 1, 15, 29 and March 14, 28
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3-5.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Spanish-English Saturday Storytime
Join Miss Anna for this lively bilingual storytime for kids and their parents/caregivers. Explore books, songs & rhymes in Spanish and English.
- Saturdays; January 4,11, 25, February 8, 22, and March 7, 21
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 3-12.
- Younger children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tot Tales
Stories, songs, stickers, snack & an easy craft!
- Wednesdays; January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 4, 11, 18, 25
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 1-4.
- Siblings always welcome.
- Please advise staff of any food allergies.
Read & Play Baby
Bring your little one for a morning of themed stories, songs, stretches, rhymes, puppets, felt boards, finger plays & more. Designed to develop early literacy skills. Ask how to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program while you're here. Our storytime includes sensory elements that are helpful to children with special needs.
- Thursdays; January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6,13, 20, 27, and March 5, 12, 19, 26
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- No registration required.
- Suggested for ages 12-36 months.
