Arlington Public Library Awarded Grant for 1000 Books Before Kinder

Published on February 16, 2026

By Arlington Public Library

The Arlington Public Library is proud to announce that it has received a $7,000 grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. This funding will be used to enhance the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten collection by purchasing new books and providing resources for new paper reading logs and promotional materials. 

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide program that encourages caregivers to read regularly with young children. Reading to children at an early age supports language and cognitive development while introducing them to the joy of books. Consistent early reading helps build vocabulary, listening skills, and other essential abilities children need to succeed in kindergarten. 

The Arlington Public Library currently offers approximately 200 program backpacks—100 in English and 100 in Spanish. Each backpack is portable and convenient for patrons to check out, and each backpack counts as 10 books toward the program goal. All titles across the backpacks are unique, ensuring that caregivers who progress through the program can read 1,000 different books with their children in no time.  

Learn about how to participate in 1000 Book Before Kindergarten.