SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY
How a local toddler read 1,000 library books
Two-year-old Teddy Nguyen read 1,000 library books before he even started Kindergarten.
Teddy’s parents, Becky and Danny, have been reading to him since the day he was born. Becky is a teacher and knows how important reading is to a child’s early development.
“We started taking him to the San Marcos Library for story time when he was 3 months old. It is an activity he looks forward to every week,” Becky said. “When he turned one year old, we substituted his nighttime bottle for two books before bed. That’s when we signed him up for his library card where he could track how many books he was reading.”
Teddy will be turning three in March and has already read 1,000 library books, which his mother said really shows how two stories a night can add up.
Pictured is Teddy’s father Danny Nguyen reading to him right after he was born. Photo courtesy of Becky Nguyen
“The crazy part is that those are just the library books, that doesn’t include all the books he already has at home that he loves to read in the car, in his room or on the couch,” Becky said.
Teddy’s favorite books are “Cars and Trucks and Things that Go” by Richard Scarry, “Go Dog Go!” by P.D. Eastman and “Construction Site on Christmas Night” by Sherri Duskey Rinker, but he enjoys any books about Paw Patrol or construction trucks.
Becky said books have provided comfort to Teddy and helped him navigate life changes, including moving from the crib to the “big boy” bed, using the potty, starting school and having big feelings.
“Whenever he is going through a new milestone in his life, we find a book that can help him learn about it, and it’s made whatever new thing not so scary anymore,” Becky said. “Books have helped him be brave in this giant world around him and helped him learn how he fits in it.”
Becky credits the San Marcos Public Library for helping to cultivate his love of reading.
“The children’s librarians Ms. Ashley, Ms. Anna and Ms. Gem have made going to the library a fun experience he looks forward to every week,” Becky said. “Teddy would also like to thank his Nana and Papa for faithfully taking him to story time when mom and dad were at work, he couldn’t have done it without them.”
