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Library Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9am-7pm Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-4pm Sunday: Closed

Children's Resources

Rebecca Caudill Awards

The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools.

Bluestem Awards

The award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles. Named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass, the award may include both timeless classics and current titles, as well as books that have appeared on Monarch and Rebecca Caudill lists.

Monarch Awards

The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3 children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings. The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators. The program is open to all K-3 age children in Illinois.

Corretta Scott King Awards

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 books before kindergarten

Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters
make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.

Yorkville Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success. Any child ages birth to five years can participate. Just follow these steps:

  1. Register: Sign up at the Yorkville Public Library Youth Services Desk to receive program materials at the library.
  2. Track Your Reading: Write down each book you read with your child on your reading log.
  3. Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member as long as your child listens to the entire book.
  4. 100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to receive a special sticker.
  5. 1,000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at the library, see your child’s picture placed on the 1,000 Book Wall of Fame, and choose a book to be donated to the library in your child’s name.
  6. Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000. Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead.

Singing songs, saying rhymes, telling stories, and playing with your child are all great ways to build their literacy skills. Visit the Yorkville Public Library often to discover free programs that are fun and educational for your little one and to find great books to share with your child. One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than three years. If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year. Ask our friendly staff for suggestions. We’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books
Before Kindergarten.

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