Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge, June 1 - August 15.
All reading is good reading. Join our Summer Reading Challenge and read anything you want – books, ebooks, graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks – it all counts. Log your reading and complete activities to earn badges and prizes.
How It Works
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1. Sign up or log into Beanstack. You can sign up multiple readers in your household.
2. Join our Summer Reading challenge in Beanstack starting May 15.
3. Read what you love and log your reading.
4. Complete activities to earn badges.
5. Earn prizes for reading.
Download the Beanstack app(Opens in a new window) on your mobile device to track your Summer Reading activity. You can also complete the challenge offline, just stop by any of our locations and ask for a reading log.
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Earn Prizes
Every book you read and every Summer Reading activity that you complete earns you 100 points for prizes and virtual badges. Starting June 1, you can start earning points by logging books and activities.
• Youth who read 5 books or earn 500 points will receive one free book of their choice (for the first 5 books or 500 points).
• Adults who read 5 books or earn 500 points will receive a coupon for one free book at the Book Den and an enamel pin (for the first 5 books or 500 points).
• Readers of all ages who read 25 books or earn 2,500 points will receive a Summer Reading medal.
Upcoming Events
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration (June 1, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Join us as we begin Summer Reading with fun activities for kids and families at Howe Park (2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825) on June 1! Stop by between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to experience art and building activities with the Sacramento Children’s Museum, see live music and an instrument petting zoo with the Bigger Than Us Arts Collective, and check out the library Bookmobile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I sign up my child and myself?
Adults who are reading with children or other family members can sign up through Beanstack, the online tool and app we use for our Summer Reading challenge. Download the Beanstack app for quick mobile access.
- Sign up as the primary account holder
- Add as many family members as you like
- Other adults, kids, teens, and even babies can be signed up as readers on your account
What is Beanstack? How do I use it?
Beanstack is the online tool and app we use to run Summer Reading. You can use it by clicking here and creating an account. Watch this video tutorial to learn more.
Can adults without kids participate?
Yes! Summer Reading is designed for all ages. We have an activity track just for adults. We want to help you achieve your reading goals too.
Can I read non-library books?
Absolutely! Any reading that you do counts towards your participation. Books you have at home, magazines, comics, ebooks, or audiobooks all count and earn you points. Also, reading to someone or being read to also counts, so if you have someone in your life that you are reading to – that counts for both of you!
Do I need a library card to sign up for Summer Reading?
No. Summer Reading is open to everyone whether they have a library card or not. If you don’t have a library card and you would like one, you can apply online or visit any Sacramento Public Library location.
Do I need to have a Beanstack account to participate?
We encourage you to sign up in Beanstack so that you can log your reading, choose fun activities to complete, and earn digital badges. However, you can do the entire program offline. Just stop by any of our locations and ask for a reading log. The reading log has space for you to record up to 25 books and activities you to complete as well. When you’ve read 5 books, bring your log into any location to redeem your prize.
I don't live in Sacramento. Can I still sign up?
Yes. Our Summer Reading challenge is open to anyone. If you live outside the library’s service area, however, you would need to visit a library location in order to reedeem your prizes.
Do I get a free book for every 5 books I read over the summer?
No. Youth will receive one free book of their choice for the first 5 books or 500 points that they log. Adults will receive a coupon for one free book at the Book Den(Opens in a new window) and an enamel pin for the first 5 books or 500 points that they log. As you keep reading and doing activities over the summer, you continue to earn points and digital badges. Super readers of all ages who earn 2,500 points will receive a Summer Reading medal.
Special thanks to Friends of The Sacramento Public Library official sponsor of Summer Reading.
