The Christian County Library Summer Reading Challenge runs May 11-August 3 this year, with registration opening May 1. The Summer Reading Challenge gives parents an easy way to make reading a fun summer activity and help children and teens maintain or even improve their reading level during the break from school. There’s even a program for adults, because kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy a challenge.
The library is once again using the internet-based program Beanstack to host our Summer Reading Challenge, so families can register and participate in the program by downloading the Beanstack Tracker app for iOS or Android or visiting http://christiancountylibrary.beanstack.org. All reading can be reported right through the app. Readers earn online badges as they make progress, and are notified when they’ve completed their challenge and it’s time to collect their prize at the library. Beanstack also helps match readers with books they’ll like that are available through the Christian County Library, so it’s simple for readers to find their next book. (If you prefer to keep track of your reading on paper, your favorite Christian County Library branch can provide you with a paper form for tracking reading, and you can then report your time on Beanstack at your convenience.)
The theme this year is “A Universe of Stories,” and the library has a simple format that makes it easy for kids, teens, and adults to participate. The challenge, no matter your age, is to earn 500 points by choosing a combination of reading, completing learning activities, and attending library events. Readers earn one point for each minute read, and can earn extra points through a variety of fun activities that will connect them with library and community resources, and create fun ways for families to interact and learn together.
Once readers have earned their 500 points, they can come to their favorite Christian County Library branch to collect their prizes. Babies, kids, and teens get a new book of their choice to keep and a coupon book with free and almost-free offers from local businesses. Adults earn a free book. All participants also earn an entry into the prize basket drawing of their choice. Prize basket themes include books, movies, games, and more. Some prize baskets will be on display at the three Christian County Library branches in Ozark, Nixa, and Clever.
Summer at the library also means a large variety classes, performances, and programs every week for children, teens, and adults, not just in the library, but across the county. Readers can earn extra points towards their goal for each library event attended. Visit the online calendar or our PageTurner newsletter for a full listing of events taking place in locations across the county, or for more information. Library cards are free for all Christian County residents.