5-year-old Mae Kint just had her first day of kindergarten, representing the class of 2038. As she starts this important milestone, she’s also celebrating the completion of another milestone – reading 1,000 books before the start of school. That’s right – 1,000.

Franklin County Library System’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which received a WellSpan Summit Endowment grant, is helping hundreds of families introduce the fun of reading to their kids as early as birth. The program is part of a nationwide initiative that encourages families to read at least 1,000 books to their children before they start kindergarten, with incentives awarded along the way.

Last year, WellSpan supported community efforts by investing more than $1.9 million in community grants across Central Pennsylvania. Grants are awarded to community projects that advance our Community Health Improvement Plan.

“Reading is the most fundamental and critical skill we can teach our children,” says Sherry Plummer, WellSpan Summit Endowment Committee chair. “The earlier they are exposed to books and the earlier they see reading as a fun and imaginative activity, the better they will read. Not all kids have access to books on a regular basis, and, as a community, we can fill that gap before they start school. These types of programs are the building blocks of successful adults.”

Mae is excited to continue reading as she starts kindergarten. Her favorite book? Anything with unicorns and horses.

“I like when my mommy reads to me because she’s the best at reading books,” says Mae. “If I keep reading, I’ll get better and better.”

Mae Kint.

Research has shown that children who are read to starting at a young age are more likely to have success when learning to read and continue to read throughout their lifetimes. Reading with a child can prepare them for school by helping make connections and build a foundation of prior knowledge they can take with them to their first day of school. It also creates a stronger bond with the person they are reading with.

Mae’s mom, Julia, has been reading to her since she came home from the hospital. While she has started reading by herself, Mae always asks for her parents or siblings to read her a book before she goes to bed.

“The program has really encouraged her to read even more than she used to. One book every night has turned into five,” says Julia. “She is so proud of herself when she hits her goals and receives a prize. It’s kick-started her education before the first day of school and I think it will open more doors for her down the road. Seeing that developmental growth has been amazing and reading has helped strengthen our bond too – it’s a special time together.”

The program reached an average of 500 families over the summer at the Franklin County Library System. Parents and caregivers can log books read to or with their child on the library’s Beanstack app.

With the help of WellSpan’s grant, Sarah Applegate, director of youth services for Franklin County Library System, can increase the number of books distributed to the community so families can easily read together. This includes free books provided to every newborn at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital and local pediatric offices.

“It means so much to know that every newborn that leaves the hospital is going home with one of our books,” says Sarah. “Our mission is to provide a learning opportunity and the joy of reading to every child while establishing personal growth. The best thing you can do for your child is read to them every day.”

Since June 2024, over 4,000 books have been distributed to the community, with 745 children currently enrolled in the program. Sarah is excited to continue expanding the program with the renewal of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten grant for the next year.

“Without WellSpan, this wouldn’t be possible,” she says. “We’re so grateful for their support to reach as many families as we can.”

Learn more about how we support our communities here.

Read how WellSpan is supporting childhood development through our Spotlight on Children’s Health program.