THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!
Our 2023 Summer Reading Program has concluded. You may still redeem any of your remaining rewards while supplies last. Prize drawing winners have all been notified by email. Below is the original Summer Reading information, if you still need to refer to it.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM – LOG & EARNING PRIZES:
You can log your books or minutes read on Beanstack. Your Beanstack account will allow you to earn badges, rewards, and entries into our prize drawings for the time you spend reading throughout the summer!
HOW BEANSTACK WORKS:
Visit our Beanstack website or download the app from the app store on your smartphone or tablet and register for an account. You may register individually or as a family. (Prefer to track your reading on paper? You can also visit the Library anytime throughout the summer to pick up a paper log instead.)
Log your time spent reading.
Any type of reading material (print, e-book, graphic novel, audio-book, etc.) counts toward your goal.
Being read to counts as well–this includes storytime programs at the Library!
Make sure to log your reading on Beanstack (or turn your paper log in to Youth Services) by August 4 to be entered into the prize drawings!
After every 2 books read (Pre-K) or 100 minutes read (Kids), you will earn a digital badge and move on to the next level. Certain levels will earn you a fun reward you can pick up at the Library! (Beanstack will notify you when this is the case.) Also, levels 8, 9, and 10 automatically enter you in our Pre-K or Kids’ prize drawings, respectively.
Once you’ve reached level 10, you will have completed the program! Even after you’ve finished, you can keep logging your reading to increase your odds of winning the grand prize for your age group.
Level 2 reward: Free donut voucher from The Wandering Donut
Level 4 reward: Miller Park Pool pass good for up to 5 free visits
Level 6 reward: All Together Now bag and free book to keep
Level 8 prize drawing (1 winner): $50 Givens Books and Little Dickens gift certificate
Level 9 prize drawing (1 winner): $75 Bounce About of Lynchburg gift card
Level 10/Grand Prize drawing (1 winner): Toniebox set with 4 Tonies (The more your child reads, even after reaching level 10, the greater their odds of winning!)
KIDS’ PROGRAM (AGES 5-10*)
*Caregivers may choose whether to register their 10-year-old for either the Kids’ or Tween & Teen Program.
Level 2 reward: Free donut voucher from The Wandering Donut
Level 4 reward: Miller Park Pool pass good for up to 5 free visits
Level 6 reward: All Together Now bag and free book to keep
Level 8 prize drawing (1 winner): $50 Givens Books and Little Dickens gift certificate
Level 9 prize drawing (1 winner): $75 Imagination Station gift card
Level 10/Grand Prize drawing (1 winner): Nintendo Switch Lite & $20 eShop gift card (The more your child reads, even after reaching level 10, the greater their odds of winning!)
The Lynchburg Public Library has been proudly offering the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program since May 2017!
This program is open to any child, including county residents, and you do not have to have a library card to participate. The program is ongoing and new participants are welcome to join at any time. Why not today? The Youth Services staff will be happy to help you get started.
This program is a nationwide, evidence-based, early literacy initiative that encourages caregivers and families to read with their young children. Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary—two vital steps toward kindergarten readiness. Children who are exposed to books and stories before entering school are more likely to succeed academically early on, and those who develop a love of reading at an early age are more motivated to continue learning to read once enrolled in kindergarten.
How 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Works:
You can watch this brief video, or keep reading below.
The concept is simple; the rewards are priceless. Read a book—any book—to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your little one starts kindergarten. (Yes, you can repeat books!) Does it sound difficult? It’s not, if you think about it: If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years! Books read to your child during storytimes count as well. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you may have more time than you think.
We have an exciting reward system in place to keep families and children motivated on their journey to 1,000 books. For each book read, the child or caregiver tracks progress by coloring a numbered circle in the child’s personal copy of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Keepsake Reading Log. For every 100 books read, your child earns a corresponding milestone sticker to be placed in their log. In addition, the special 500-book reward is a drawstring book bag featuring the official 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten logo.
In celebration of reaching the 1,000 book goal, the final prize is a classic children’s book to keep. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten log itself is also meant to be a keepsake, with its log of achievements marking a significant time in your child’s life. The record includes space to write titles of favorite books read and to illustrate favorite scenes. The final page of the record is a certificate to be signed by LPL Youth Services staff. With guardian permission, each child who completes the challenge will also have their photo added to the “wall of fame” in the Youth Services department, and displayed on the Library’s Instagram account.
Youth Services staff have been busy creating some cool, online escape rooms for you and your family! Challenge levels vary, but all are appropriate for children.
Click the image below to try out ourMario Party-inspired escape room!
Click the image below to try out ourThe Mandalorian-inspired escape room!
Click the image below to try out ourThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening-inspired escape room!
Click the image below to try out ourAnimal Crossing-inspired escape room!
Online Resources
Access Video: Just for Kids -- Enjoy TV shows like Arthur, Sesame Street, Odd Squad, SciGirls, and much more, including read-along storybooks and learning videos to explore topics like reading, writing, math, arts and science.
Comics Plus -- Access thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from popular publishers with no holds, wait lists, or monthly borrowing limits! Log in using your Lynchburg Public Library card number.
Gale in Context Elementary -- Gale In Context: Elementary meets the research needs of students in Kindergarten through grade 5, with age-appropriate content from magazines, newspapers, and reference materials, covering current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, and more.
Homework HelpNow -- Connect LIVE with a certified tutor, seven days a week between 2 and 11 pm, for assistance with assignments and research, including math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and more! Submit your papers to a tutor in the Writing Lab for constructive feedback or take practice exams and create your own flashcards to prepare for tests. Tutoring is available in English and Spanish.
