Maricopa County Library District has launched a new early literacy program called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.

According to district director Jeremy Reeder, the goal is to boost pre-K children’s brain development by encouraging caregivers and parents to read to kids before they enter primary school.

All library branches are participating. Prizes will be awarded for achieving certain milestones along the road to reading 1,000 books, which are tracked via an online portal.

Lindsey Powers, MCLD customer experience administrator, stated in a release, the aim of the program is "to provide a simple and fun approach to establishing strong early literacy skills, help young children gain the confidence necessary to become strong readers, and be prepared for Kindergarten."