Latest news with #Beanstack
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
When school's out, summer reading will be in for patrons of Park Ridge Public Library
As area schools begin summer break, local libraries are gearing up for summer reading programs. Leaders at the Park Ridge Public Library announced in a news release that June 2 marks the kickoff of the library's summer reading program for kids, teens and adults, and will include reading challenges and prizes. The program will run through Aug. 16. Starting May 27, patrons were able to sign up at the service desks in the children's department, teen loft and in the Reader Services area. Participants were to be given a paper log to track progress, the release explains. Sign up is also available online at Then, on June 2, participants started to track their reading through the Beanstack website or on the paper log, according to the release. 'Summer is the perfect time to explore new interests, go on adventures through stories, and connect with your community,' library Director Joanna Bertucci stated in the release. 'We invite everyone to make the most of summer and discover all the library has to offer—reading challenges, exciting programs, and a welcoming space for all ages.' Children will be able to earn tickets and choose which prize drawing they would like to enter at a display in the children's department. Additionally, participants in sixth grade through high school will be able to earn a virtual prize drawing ticket in Beanstack for every 10 days they read. Anyone who reads at least 30 days by Aug. 10, will earn a free book. Participants will be able to earn more chances to win by reading more days, the release explains. 'Children can also participate by keeping an eye out for this year's Summer Reading mascot, Mango, around town from June 11 to August 6. Stop by the Children's Services department for clues about where Mango is located each week. Return to the Library to fill out a form and stop at Children's Services to let the desk staff know where Mango was spotted to get entered for a chance to win a Mango T-shirt. In addition, all forms submitted throughout Mango's travels will be entered into a final drawing and the winner will receive their very own Mango,' according to the release.
Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: Naperville Public Library's reading program a great way to start summer
Hold on to your tokens because Naperville Public Library's Summer Reading Program is back! We invite you to celebrate the digital age of play with this year's theme: Level Up at Your Library. Readers of all ages are encouraged to register for the Summer Reading Program. You don't need a library card to sign up. Just head to your nearest library location or go online at to start your summer reading adventure. The children's Summer Reading Program is open to children from birth to fifth grade. The program gives children an opportunity to explore new books and maintain their reading skills, even when school is not in session. Once registered, children can pick up a Summer Reading Kit at the library, which will include a reading log and prizes for the first three levels of the program. Depending on the child's age, they can win pixel-perfect prizes like bubbles, a puzzle eraser, a fortune teller origami craft and more. With the help of an adult, children set their own daily reading goals. They can choose the number of pages, chapters, minutes or books they aspire to read each day, depending on their age and reading level. The program has four levels with 12 days of daily reading per level. Once a child has completed a level, they can pick a prize from their kit. Once they've filled their entire reading log, children can head over to Naperville Public Library to pick out their final prize: a new book to keep. They'll also be entered into the grand prize giveaway for a Summer Reading Program prize basket. Adults and teens can create an online account to track their summer reading progress through the library's Beanstack platform or print reading logs from the library's website. Teens are encouraged to read at least 15 minutes a day. For every five hours they read, they'll earn a prize. This includes print books, audiobooks, graphic novels, eBooks and more. Trying for a new record? Teens can earn an extra entry into our end-of-summer grand prize drawing for every five additional hours they read. Adults can join in the fun as well. The adult program is made up of three levels. Each level is completed by reading three books, and participants can choose a prize after each level. Prize options include a flashlight, zippered tech travel case, aluminum water bottle or a new book to keep after completing the last level. Prizes can be picked up at any library branch. Get your game on this summer with special storytimes and programs. Sing, dance and celebrate summer with a Summer Kickoff Concert with Jim Gill. Known for songs like 'Hands Are for Clapping,' 'Jumping and Counting' and 'Silly Dance Contest,' Jim's music is sure to have everyone on their feet. Gather the family and head over to 95th Street Library at 6 p.m. Friday, May 30. For even more fun, join us for a Pokémon GO Lure Party, video game-inspired crafts and plenty of outdoor storytimes this summer. While you're at the library, explore the bookstacks and join the hunt for Bigfoot. We've heard he's been hiding around in the Children's Department while he waits for you to find him. We can't wait for you to level up your summer with us at Naperville Public Library!
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Waco Library Launches Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — The Waco-McLennan County Library has kicked off its annual Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge, with registration now open at all library locations and online. The program, which runs from June 1 through July 31, invites readers of all ages to log their reading daily, earn prizes, and stay engaged with books and stories throughout the summer. Participants can sign up and track their progress using the Beanstack app. 'We basically manage our reading apps, our reading challenges through the app Beanstack. If you check out our website, you'll find a link to it,' said Sarah Freeland, Assistant Director for the Waco-McLennan County Library. 'It's really simple. It's free to download and it makes it very easy, particularly for families to log the reading for everyone in their household.' According to Freeland, the Waco Library archives have writing about reading challenge programs dating back to 1915. However, this year is the Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge. Freeland said participants can log any reading material—whether it's a book, a news article, or anything in between—through the Beanstack app. Prizes include bookmarks and Hawaiian Falls water park passes for children, as well as coffee mugs and free laser tag games at Main Event for teens and adults. For more information or to register, you can click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Elgin and Dundee libraries launch summer reading programs; registration underway for Elgin's 4th of July parade, pet parade
The Gail Borden and Fox Valley public library districts have launched summer youth reading programs. Gail Borden's Power Up Reading Challenge, which started this month, allows children to track their reading progress through the Beanstack app or website or on paper to earn prizes, including free swim passes for Wing Park and Lords Park family aquatic centers, an invite to the Power Up Party, gift cards and toys. Kick-off events will be held May 30 at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave., and the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, both in Elgin. The challenge runs through Friday, Aug. 1. For more information or to sign up, go to Fox River Valley Public Library District's 'Level Up at Your Library' challenge also started this month but will officially kick off on Sunday, June 1, according to a news release. The program features a board game-style format, with young readers keeping track of their progress through the Beanstack app or website or a paper log. A kick-off picnic will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 2, at the Randall Oaks Park's front shelter, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. The challenge runs through Thursday, July 31. For more information, go to As part of the festivities to mark its first anniversary, Arctic Wolf Ale House in West Dundee is collecting donations for the FISH Food Pantry. 'We've decided to host a charity donation box for FISH Food Pantry,' business owner DilanPijolli said. Arctic Wolf opened in May 2025 in the strip mall at Huntley Road and Tartans Glen Drive in West Dundee. Pijolii lived in Alaska, prior to moving to Illinois. His parents run a diner in Anchorage, he said. Registration will continue through Friday, June 6, for anyone who wants to participate in Elgin's Fourth of July parade and pet parade. The parade registration fee is $120 for businesses and $35 for nonprofits, according to the city's website. There's no entry fee to take part in the pet parade. Registration may close earlier than June 6 if either event reaches capicity prior to that date, officials said. The pet parade will start at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 4, at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Ann Street and end at Douglas and Highland avenues, near Elgin City Hall. The regular parade will start at 9 a.m. at Douglas and Slade avenues and end about 11 a.m. at Douglas and Highland. For more information or to register, go to
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Clinton Public Library to compete in summer reading competition
CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After being challenged by a library in Clinton, New York, the Clinton, Indiana Public Library will be a part of a summer reading competition. The competition includes Clinton libraries in five other states along with Indiana. It will be for adults only, starting on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day. The challenge is 'What Clinton community can read the most pages this summer.' Residents can ask the library to track their pages, or they can use an app called Beanstack. Assistant Director of the Clinton Public Library, Ashley Wolfe, said that, along with the usual benefits of reading, adults can also win prizes. 'This program is kind of showing the pride of our community', Wolfe said. 'It's showing that Indiana can compete with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and all these other states. It's a nice summer thing to do, it's a pastime, it's very enjoyable to read over the summer and relax. Then, to incentive the adults, we're actually giving away prizes too.' Clinton Public Library said they will keep residents up to date on their social media with the standings of the summer reading competition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
