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Beanstack is like a running app, for books. Readers download the Beanstack App, create an account, and start earning prizes for each minute/ book you read. You'll earn badges for each milestone you cross with encouragement all along the way. Challenges for adults and kids are available now.
We encourage families to setup their Beanstack accounts to prepare for the 2023 Summer Reading Program! No more paper to keep track of, instead you'll log your books on Beanstack to earn raffle tickets.
No computer or smart phone? Patrons can log their reading using the library's public computer and tablet. Register for Beanstack and win a reusable tote!
Youth Reading Challenges at VMPL
New for 2023: Get to Know Short Stacks
Short Stacks are fun and informative nonfiction stories with themes and content developed specifically for students. Each Short Stacks reading challenge includes four short nonfiction stories centered around a unifying and curiosity-spiking theme.
The bite-sized stories each include interesting tidbits about curriculum-aligned topics in history, social studies, and science. Signed up for multiple challenges at once because all reading count towards your total- sign up today!
January 1st through March 31st: Love Your Library
The Love Your Library challenges take readers on a curiosity journey through the "shelves" of a virtual library. The templates include 12 original nonfiction articles specifically tailored for two age ranges: grades 2nd-6th and grades 6th-12th.
January: Symbols, Secret Codes, and Emojis
Students uncover fun facts about the history of written communication in four short nonfiction stories, including—you guessed it!—emojis. Topics cover the ancient origins of the alphabet, how humans use symbols for communication, the history of books and paper-like materials, and the most ingenious methods for sending secret messages throughout the ages.
February: Heart Smarts
This Valentine’s Day, students delve into the historical and scientific side of love with Heart Smarts’ four engaging short stories. Each story features a different spin on the heart, including how the heart became a symbol for love, the history of Valentine’s Day, wacky different animal hearts, and adorable (and surprising) animal friendships. Readers glean fun facts while also learning about the functions of the heart in human and animal circulatory systems.
March: Animals Across America
The Animals Across America Short Stacks focus on the animals, habitats, and food chains in four distinctive regions of the U.S. Students travel to the wild West to learn about grizzly bears and other western creatures, and then to the prairies and forests of the Midwest to read about amazing animals like bison and beavers. The Northeast’s rocky coastline and snowy peaks offer learning opportunities about fox and moose adaptations before the reading adventure ends in the South with fun facts about alligators and other coastal creatures.
These short and snappy stories grab children's interest and help them develop a self-guided reading routine. By incorporating Short Stacks into your at-home readings, you’ll help instill a strong culture of reading the whole family can enjoy.
Adult Reading Challenges at VMPL
New for 2023: Read the Classics
Get swept away in the classic tales that helped shape literature as we know it today and discover timeless stories that capture humanity through the ages. Includes 12 classic tales such as Frankenstein, The Great Gatsby, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Dracula, and more.
Ongoing: 1,000 Books Challenge
One thousand books? That seems like way too many, right? Not at all. You got this. Take that motivation, open one book, and get started. And remember, 1000 is just a number. Originally intended for children, this challenge is open to anyone who wants to test themselves to read 1000 books.
Get to Know the Van Meter Public Library
Did you know that the VMPL offers online services for Veterans and Job Seekers? What about state-sponsored tutoring? Did you know we have events every month or new information added to our website regularly? This challenge introduces you to VMPL online services and resources available thanks to your library card. Complete six activities to receive a prize!
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