Wanaka Library’s ‘1,000 books before school’ programme celebrated its first birthday this week with a graduation ceremony for eight youngsters.

The little graduates wore capes and graduation caps, and received colouring books, one of them rolled up like a diploma, plus a ‘1,000 books before school’ book bag.

Most were aged three, and two of them were returning for their second 1,000-book award.

The early literacy programme, which is being run across all Queenstown Lakes libraries, encourages regular reading to babies and toddlers and young children (newborn to five). 

It starts when a child is born and finishes once the child reaches the 1000-book target - or turns five.

Wānaka Library children and youth services librarian assistant Lesley Jones told the Wānaka App children's books make up about a third of library's total catalogue - plenty of scope for growing minds.

“Infants often start with strong books with thick card pages which can take a bit of rough handling,'' Lesley said, before they graduate to those with finer paper.

Picture books, in particular the likes of Peppa Pig, Dr Seuss and Spike Milligan’s works were “strong favourites” among the little readers.

Reading aloud to babies and young children for just 10 minutes (or approximately three books) each day provides them with a significant increase in their readiness for school, exposure to a diverse vocabulary and opportunities for bonding with caregivers. 

It can also set the stage for an early and long-lasting love of literacy. 

Anyone interested in signing up for ‘1,000 books before school’ can find more information here.

PHOTO: Supplied