Presley holding the free book she earned in the “1,000 Things Before Kindergarten” program. Katharine G. Bloodworth/Contributed

Presley is setting the bar high by starting off the New Year in a positive way — she just finished the “1,000 Things Before Kindergarten” program by earning her 10th free book!

She completed all 1,000 tasks. With every 100 tasks she earned a free book from the J. Robert Jamerson Library, sponsored by the Library of Virginia. Who is eligible for this program? Any patron five years of age or younger that has not started kindergarten yet. How do you get signed up? Just come into the library with your parent or legal guardian and get set up so you can start earning your own free books.

Due to the rise in local COVID cases, the library has suspended all in-person programming until further notice. We will still be open to the public for normal business hours. Masks are recommended but not required at this time. For those that may feel uncomfortable coming into the building we are still offering curbside service and free Wi-Fi that is available in the parking lot, depending upon the ability of your devices.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.