Children from birth until kindergarten can participate without a library card. Families will be able to track their reading online or on paper and earn prizes as they reach milestones.
By Hola Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln City Libraries will launch 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a free reading program for families with young children, on Monday, November 9, 2026. The challenge encourages adults to read aloud with children before they enter school and rewards participants for reaching every 250-book milestone.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Lincoln City Libraries Director Ryan Wieber introduced the initiative on October 29 at Walt Branch Library. The program is designed to help parents and caregivers incorporate shared reading into children’s everyday routines.
Registration begins November 9 at Lincoln libraries and on Beanstack
Parents and caregivers will be able to sign up at any of Lincoln City Libraries’ eight locations, through either of its two bookmobiles or online using Beanstack.
Families who prefer a paper record can pick up reading logs at library locations. Those using Beanstack can create an account or sign in with an existing one to track their progress once enrollment is available.
Registration status as of November 6: Lincoln City Libraries is still asking families to return to the official program page on November 9 to get started. Although Beanstack allows users to create accounts, it has not yet been confirmed that enrollment in this specific challenge can be completed before that date.
Books from home and repeated readings count toward the goal
Children do not need to read independently. Parents, grandparents, guardians and other caregivers can read aloud to them and record the books they share.
Books can come from a family’s own shelves, public libraries, neighborhood book-sharing boxes or other sources. Lincoln City Libraries Youth Services and Outreach Coordinator Ali Bousquet explained during the program’s announcement that families are not limited to library books, according to Nebraska Public Media.
Reading the same book again counts. If a child wants to hear a favorite story several times, families can record those readings toward the 1,000-book goal.
The challenge is intended to be completed at a family’s own pace before the child starts kindergarten. As an illustration, reading three books each day would add up to 1,000 readings in approximately 334 days. Families do not need to purchase 1,000 different titles.
Lincoln City Libraries also plans to provide age-appropriate reading recommendations and early literacy resources. Library staff have said that books and resources in languages other than English will be available.
Children receive their first prize after 250 books
Children will receive a storytime play scarf after reaching the first 250-book milestone. The fabric scarf can be used during songs, rhymes and other early literacy activities.
Additional announced rewards include a pass to Morrill Hall Museum. Children who complete all 1,000 readings will receive a special T-shirt and diploma.
Adult participants may also qualify for a small drink from The Mill Coffee & Tea. The library’s announcement does not specify which reward will be distributed at every milestone, beyond the first and final prizes.
The initiative also involves child care providers, allowing families and educators to encourage reading across home and child care settings.
To find a participating library, consult the Lincoln City Libraries locations and hours directory. The library system can answer general questions at 402-441-8500.
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