The journey of a thousand books begins with a single page, and the Public Library of New London is working to get more kids to that 1,000-book mark before they start school.

The library is one of many participating in the nationwide 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which promotes early literacy.

Michele Staino, head of youth services, said the program at the library started with money from a previous early literacy grant.

“We decided to start it here because reading together helps children develop a love of reading,” she said. “Reading introduces them to new vocabulary and it teaches them early literacy skills once they enter the school.”

Staino said the library worked together with community members to create a list of 100 recommended books, which are labeled to get parents started.

Books are also sorted by theme for children who want to read more about dinosaurs or another specific topic.

In the end, family members, day care providers and other caregivers can read any books with the children to get to their 1,000-book goal, whether it’s a board book, picture book, or “Goodnight Moon” for the 15th time.

Staino said she often recommends books with repetition, colors and numbers, or a classic story by timeless authors. Parents also receive an information packet along with the reading logs with literacy tips for helping their kids at home.

When kids come in to register for the free program, they get a photo taken to be put on the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten board, which has a road theme to show their progress. As they mark off books, they receive prizes at various milestones. The first prize at 10 books, for example, is a Public Library of New London book bag to help carry books when they come to the library. Other prizes include books to keep and literacy-themed toys.

Staino said the program had a soft opening last spring just before the end of school and the beginning of summer reading. So far, about 70 children have signed up for the program and five have read the 1,000 books.

The library also encourages reading through weekly storytime sessions and a therapy dog named Ella.

“Even if children aren’t yet reading themselves, it’s just fun for them to sit down with the dog. They talk to the dog about the pictures and just spend that bonding time,” she said. “A dog is nonjudgmental, so kids who have been really shy will like to read to Ella.”

The program is open year-round for New London families with children younger than kindergarten age.

For more information about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, call the library at (860) 447-1411, or visit 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org.