Library News

Warren-Trumbull County Public Library Launches New Reading Initiatives for Children

(09/25/2025) – The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library (W-TCPL) is launching two new reading initiatives to help children develop early literacy skills and a love of reading.

Children who are ages 0 through kindergarten age can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The nationwide 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading initiative encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before he or she starts kindergarten.

Reading aloud to children strengthens early literacy skills, preparing children to be ready to read when they enter kindergarten. Studies have shown that children who are read to at an early age are more successful in school.

Children can participate by using a keepsake booklet from the library that will allow them to track the number of books read and color in or work on different skills for each 100 books read. Every book counts, whether it is a book that the child loves and has re-read many times, or a book the child hears read by teachers, librarians, siblings, and other family and friends. At each level, the child will receive a prize.

The new 500 Books Before Middle School program challenges children in grades K to 5 to read 500 books before they enter middle school. Children will track their reading by using bookmarks and will receive prizes along the way.

Children can sign up for both programs at any W-TCPL library branch, the Bookmobile, or Pop-Up Library.

Participants can choose to participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten or 500 Books Before Middle School online. Create a free account through the library’s convenient online platform called Beanstack at https://wtcpl.beanstack.org/reader365. Track reading progress and then visit any W-TCPL location to pick up prizes.

The W-TCPL system includes branch libraries in Brookfield, Cortland, Eastwood Mall, Howland, Liberty, and Warren; a Bookmobile; Pop-Up Library; and Library-By-Mail services.

To learn about programs and services at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, visit the library website at www.WTCPL.org.

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For more information, contact: Cheryl Bush, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, at bushc@wtcpl.org.