With the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, Greene County libraries were able to reopen on June 1st and begin serving the community in-person again. While they may still have restrictions, such as a limited number of patrons inside at a time and limited hours of operation, the libraries are happy to be able to provide the community with the services they need. Computers are available for those that want to use them, free wifi is available in the parking lots for those needing internet access, and contactless materials pickup is available on request. Story time and craft programs have been moved online, and the summer reading program has moved online with them.
The program will operate on Beanstack (beanstack.com), which is used by more than 1,000 school district and libraries. It allows readers to register in just seconds and begin earning virtual badges, tickets for drawings, and real-world prizes by tracking their reading. Readers can also post book reviews and keep track of activities. Their one-of-a-kind mobile app lets patrons time reading sessions, log books by scanning their ISBN numbers, keep a log of current and past reading, and track reading stats, all while completing their summer reading program for Flenniken or Bowlby.
The summer reading programs launched on June 22nd and will continue to run through August. Once registered, participants receive a bookmark in their mail. They will earn digital badges for time spent reading as they progress through the challenge. During this time, they will also be earning tickets for drawings. These tickets can be used for their choice of prizes; each age category offers a choice of at least four prizes.
Flenniken’s prizes include a $50 Apple gift card, Book Box sets, Lego sets, and more. When readers complete the summer challenge, they will receive a $5 Dairy Queen gift card as a treat for a job well done.
Bowlby Library’s challenge will also include in-person and virtual events, with each week having a unique theme. Mondays will consist of virtual activities, Wednesdays will feature small, in-person groups, and Friday will feature a virtual show and tell. There will be a grab-n-go lunch from 12-1pm on Mondays and Thursdays. To participate in in-person activities at Bowlby, call 724-627-9776 (no walk-ins will be admitted at this time).
To start your summer reading challenge, visit beanstack.com and search for your local library to sign up. FMI on each program, contact Flenniken Library at 724-966-5263 or flenniken.org and Bowlby Library at 724-627-9776 or evakbowlby.org.
Research has shown that not only does reading improve memory and empathy, it makes you feel better by reducing stress and helping with depression. So start the summer off with a good book – or a few!