By NATALIE HOLTON
The Washington County Public Library (WCPL) received a national award from the National Association of Counties for the library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program,” an initiative geared to promoting early childhood literacy in the community.
“We believe in encouraging children to develop a love of reading at an early age so that they can be successful later in life.” said Library Director Renae Rountree.
This recognition is awarded yearly to applicants from around the nation to the National Association of Counties. To qualify, organizations must meet specific qualifications, such as being “innovative and having to not rely on techniques or procedures that are common practice in most counties of similar population or size,” according to the organization’s website.
“Kids earn a free book each time they read one hundred books,” explained WCPL Youth Services Director Rachel Darling, “By the time they have finished the program, they will have ten new books to add to their personal library.”
KINSLEY COOK 
Staff Report