Trident United Way, Berkeley County Library System, Charleston County Public Library and Dorchester County Library are partnering to promote reading to ages birth to five and improve regional literacy gaps.
- During birth to 5 age range, 90% of a child’s brain development occurs.
- 57% of Tri-County children are deemed “not ready” when starting kindergarten
- More than half of Tri-County third graders are not reading at grade level.
- This partnership aims to impact Tri-County children’s literacy skills beginning from birth on to the years they walk into kindergarten so we may also impact the future skill base of our Tri-County workforce.
What is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?
It is a nationwide challenge that is easy, fun and puts children on the path to success. Families and caregivers are encouraged to read 1,000 books with their child before they start kindergarten. Reading aloud to children from birth helps strengthen language skills and build vocabulary -- two important tools for learning to read. Plus, sharing stories together is fun! Visit your local library to register and learn more!
Join Tri-County Read United on Saturday, October 7 and celebrate reading!
Select Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County library branch locations will be hosting events on Saturday, October 7 to encourage the community to celebrate reading. Visit the branch locations below to learn more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, register free and more!
Whether you're 1 or 100, we can all celebrate reading-and we'd love to see it! Take a pic with your child, friends or snap a selfie and share on social media using #TriCountyReadUnited and tag Trident United Way and your local library.
Saturday, October 7
10am-12pm*
*Some locations may have additional hours for their event
Participating Library Locations
Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews,1735 N. Woodmere Dr.,Charleston
Moncks Corner,1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner
North Charleston, 5620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston
St. George Branch, 506 North Parler Ave, St. George
St. Paul’s Hollywood, 5130 Hwy 165, Hollywood
Summerville Branch, 76 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville
Wando Mt. Pleasant, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
Accept the Challenge! Read 1,000 books with your little one before they begin kindergarten and pave their road to success!
Step 1: Register a child with Trident United Way to receive early childhood and community resource information as well as motivational materials and tips.
Step 2: Register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program at your local library to log your progress and receive reading milestone rewards, including free books!
Charleston County Public Library, Berkeley County Library System, and Dorchester County Library all host their own 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs, so be sure to select your library system below.
Help raise awareness for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten! Take a photo of yourself reading or reading with a child and share on social media using #TriCountyReadUnited.
