MERCED – 1000 Books before Kindergarten, an early childhood literacy program sponsored by the Merced County Library, will hold its first graduation ceremony at 11:45 a.m. August 12 at the Merced Library (2100 O St., Merced).
The graduates being honored are 10 Merced County preschoolers whose families have read them 1000 books since the program opened in October 2016. Three of the graduates’ families live in Atwater, one is located in Dos Palos, two reside in Merced and four live in Winton. Merced County District 2 Supervisor Lee Lor will make brief remarks, read a book and pass out medals to the graduates during the ceremony. The Children’s Librarian and 1000 Books program coordinator, Ericka Chilcoat, and County Librarian Amy Taylor will also take part in the event, which will be followed by a reception.
1000 Books before Kindergarten challenges families to boost the brain power of their babies and young children by reading 1000 books together before kindergarten. The program at the Merced County Library offers developmentally-appropriate literature for young children, as well as reading activities such as “Story Time.” It helps families document their progress toward reading 1000 books and recognizes the milestones they reach along the way.
For more information on the first graduation ceremony or on the 1000 Books program, contact Ericka Chilcoat at ericka.chilcoat@mercedcountylibrary.org.