The “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” programme encourages families to read together, building strong early literacy foundations.
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library has launched the “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” initiative, becoming the UAE’s official host of the global early literacy programme. Organised under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the initiative promotes reading from birth to age five.
Centred on the theme “Reading Starts from Day One”, the programme urges families to read at least 1,000 books with their children before they begin formal schooling. It supports cognitive development, strengthens parent-child bonds, and improves language skills essential for school readiness.
The Cultural Foundation announced that the programme includes a structured reading journey, with celebrations every 200 books to encourage young participants. A final ceremony marks the milestone of reading 1,000 books, creating a rewarding and motivating experience for children and their caregivers.
On 6 February, the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will host a parent orientation session to introduce families to the initiative. The session will provide practical strategies for daily reading and effective read-aloud techniques, helping parents integrate books into home life with ease.
Families will also have access to curated book lists, progress tracking tools, and continuous support from the library. The initiative highlights the role of parents as first educators and fosters a lifelong love of reading from a young age.
Through this programme, Abu Dhabi Children’s Library reinforces its mission to empower families, cultivate early literacy, and enhance Abu Dhabi’s cultural and educational landscape. It builds on the emirate’s vision to nurture confident, curious learners from the earliest stages of life.
