Summer Reading

Why is Summer Reading so important for kids?

• Reading just two to three hours a week during the summer combats summer learning loss. Students who do not read during the summer months can lose up to two months of reading skills. Plus, reading is FUN and fun is good for kids.

When does Summer Reading start/end?

• Summer Reading begins on May 28, 2024 and will continue until July 20, 2024.

Do I need a library card to participate in Summer Reading?

• You do not need a library card to sign up for Summer Reading. However, you will need a library card to check out library materials and use electronic resources, so we encourage you to get a library card so you can access all of the resources the library has to offer.

Is there a fee to participate in Summer Reading?

• No. Summer Reading is available to you at no charge.

Will the library be hosting entertainers this year?

• Please see our featured summer entertainers listed above. Don’t forget to visit our online Event Calendar to learn more about all the fun library events that are happening throughout the summer.

Is Summer Reading for adults too?

• Yes! Summer Reading is for all ages! Adults should not miss out on the fun. You can sign up, start reading, complete activities, and earn vouchers for the Friends of the Library Book Sales as well as  participate in grand prize drawings.

Why should adults participate in Summer Reading?

• As we grow older, we tend to read less frequently, but reading benefits our lives in many different ways! Reading...

  • helps us understand complex relationships.

  • grows our capacity for empathy and sympathy.

  • shows us perspectives and experiences that are different from our own.

  • allows us to discover new ways to express ourselves.

  • enhances our self awareness.

How does Summer Reading work?

• During Summer Reading, you will track your reading working toward a goal specific to your age group. You can also complete Bingo activities. Challenge yourself to try things you've never done before. Read different types of books or stories. Try activities new to you… or do familiar activities in new ways. You’ll earn free books at reading milestones, and prizes for your first Bingo and for blacking out your Bingo card.

Is there a list of books that I have to read?

• You are completely free to read whatever you want! Books, audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, graphic novels, comics, and reading together – all reading counts!

How do I sign up for Summer Reading?

• Visit mesacountylibraries.beanstack.org and select “Register an Individual or Family” to get started. Follow the prompts to create your account. You can also sign up using the BeanStack Tracker App.
  • View a tutorial on how to register via the web.
  • View a tutorial on how to register via the BeanStack app.

What is BeanStack?

• BeanStack is our web-based Summer Reading program management software. It allows you to track your reading and activities, write and read book reviews from your peers, earn online badges, and automatically be entered into drawings for which you are eligible.

What is an individual account vs a family account?

• An individual account would be for a reader who is only registering themselves for the program. If you are registering multiple people in your household, and would like to manage all of those accounts using one login, then you can create a family account. This is ideal for parents and other caregivers who are logging reading and activities for children

If I created a BeanStack account in the past, can I use that account this year?

• All BeanStack accounts created prior to 2020 have been deleted. If your Beanstack account was created prior to 2020, you will need to create a new account. You are welcome to reuse the username and password from your previous account if you desire. If you created a BeanStack account to participate in Summer Reading last year, you can use the same account. Please contact us at 970-243-4442 if you need assistance accessing your account.

What if I forgot my password?

• If you provided an email upon creating your account, you can select “Forgot Password” from the BeanStack sign-in page. You will be prompted to enter your username or your email address and a link will be emailed to reset your password. If you did not provide an email address upon sign-up, you can call 970-243-4442 and library staff will assist you in resetting your password.

The goal for Summer Reading 2024 is:

• The reading goals for this year will be based on age group: 500 total minutes of reading for Early Learners (ages birth to 5); 1000 total minutes of reading for Kids (ages 6 to 11); and 1500 total minutes of reading for teens and adults (ages 12+).
• In addition to reading, we invite participants to complete Bingo activities as well for additional prizes. Challenge yourself to try things you've never done before. Read different types of books or stories. Try activities new to you… or do familiar activities in new ways.

I don’t usually track my time spent reading. Is there a way for me to track my reading without having to time myself?

• If you’d prefer not to track the time you can track the number pages you read and enter one minute per page read.

Don’t want to use Beanstack?

• Log reading and activities in your paper log. Then call or visit any Mesa County Libraries location to have library staff enter your reading and activities into Beanstack.

You’ll earn free books at reading milestones, and prizes for your first Bingo and for blacking out your Bingo card. See details below. All prizes available while supplies last.

Adult Grand Prizes

1. Games and Puzzles Basket - Get your game on with this awesome prize basket filled with Azul the board game, activities, Enstrom coupon, a puzzle book, and a $25 Downtown Grand Junction gift card.

2. Reading and Coloring Basket - For book enthusiasts everywhere, enjoy a coloring set with a mindfulness coloring book, book themed notecards, book accessories, Enstrom coupon, a journal, and a $25 Downtown Grand Junction gift card.

3. Coffee and Tea Basket - Stay caffeinated with this diverse beverage basket filled with tea from Willowcreek Herbs and Teas, tea accessories, coffee from Bestslope Coffee, coffee accessories, activity book, Enstrom coupon, and a $25 Downtown Grand Junction gift card.

4. Adventure Basket - Go exploring with this adventure basket filled with an insulated water bottle, hiking stick, binoculars, bug spray, sunscreen, Enstrom coupon, and a $25 Downtown Grand Junction gift card.