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Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Reading Challenge

June 1July 31

This year’s theme is centered around adventure! The slogan is Adventure Begins at Your Library/La Aventura Comienza en tu Biblioteca, and the library is the perfect place to come together and create shared adventures. This year’s artwork is by Juana Martinez-Neal & Rob Donnelly. We invite you to spend a summer full of reading, learning, and sharing adventures with us! Our summer calendar of events offers an array of family engagement opportunities that focus on educational, literacy, arts, and cultural engagement.

To see all upcoming events, download a copy of the Explorer or pick up a copy at any library location.

How do I sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge?

Washoe County Library uses Beanstack for all our reading challenges. Visit our Beanstack page to create an account online. If you previously created an account, you may sign up early for the Summer Reading Challenge beginning May 1. To help keep track of your reading between logins, pick up a paper copy of our reading and activity log (0–18 years old) from any Washoe County Library branch or download one from this page.

What is Beanstack?

Beanstack is the platform Washoe County Library System uses to facilitate our Reading Challenges. The Beanstack app helps you track your reading time and encourages participation by awarding virtual badges for completing activities.

How do kids (ages 0–18) earn prize books?

  • Sign up = Free Book*
  • Read 600 Minutes = Free Book  
  • Complete eight activities = Free Book 

Can adults participate? 

Yes! Adults (19 years and older) can earn up to three free book sale items from branch book sales by reading and completing activities and will receive a voucher for the free item.

Vouchers can also be redeemed at a Friends of Washoe County Library book sale and have a $3 limit. Friends of Washoe County Library vouchers have no cash value, and multiple vouchers can be used at once. Vouchers must be redeemed by August 31, 2024, and cannot be replaced. For book sale dates visit the Friends of Washoe County Library website.

How do adults (ages 19 and up) earn prizes?

  • Sign up = Free Book Sale Item*
  • Read 600 minutes = Free Book Sale Item
  • Complete eight activities = Free Book Sale Item

*If you signed up in Beanstack and earned a registration badge, let us know when you visit the library to get your prize for signing up.

How do participants earn virtual badges?

Earn virtual badges by logging, reading, submitting reviews, and completing activities in the Beanstack app.

Can I write a book review?

You can add reviews of the books you read for other Washoe County Library readers to find in Beanstack. Reviews are not required.

How do I claim my prize?

Beanstack users will be notified when they win a prize or bring in your completed reading and activity log to any Washoe County Library location to receive your prize by August 31. Check here for a complete list of locations and hours.

Can I repeat the program over and over to earn more books?

Everyone can complete the program only once, but you can continue to log and track your reading, complete more activities, and sign up for other challenges in Beanstack. Each participant (0–18) can earn a maximum of three free books and adults (19 and up) can earn a maximum of three free books from branch book sales.

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