OSAGE — The Osage Public Library is encouraging families with young children to take part in a nationwide early-literacy initiative known as “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.”

The program challenges parents, grandparents and caregivers to read 1,000 books to their newborns, infants and toddlers before they enter kindergarten. The goal is to help build early language skills, foster a love of reading and strengthen family bonding through daily reading.