Welcome to Summer Reading
Welcome to Manhattan Public Library’s Summer Reading Program! Join our free Summer Reading Challenge to earn points for reading or listening to books, and earn some great prizes.
When you register for the Summer Reading Challenge in the Beanstack app, you will be enrolled in a program based on your age. The age categories are PreK (0-5), Kids (K-5th grade), Teens (6th-12th grade), and Adults. Beanstack is a simple program that helps track your reading time and books you’ve read, and it adds some fun Activity Badges you can do to earn points toward your reading goal.
To use the app, install Beanstack Tracker for free on your phone or device. Choose to participate “at my library, school or bookstore.” Find your site: “Manhattan Public Library (KS).” At the bottom, choose “Sign up!” If you participated in summer reading last year or in ReadMHK, log in with your username and password.
This summer, you can also attend library programs and events for all ages, enjoy podcasts featuring local citizens and find good reading recommendations on Beanstack book lists. Visit the library to get your “sign-up prizes” and stock up on reading material!
Reading Challenge Age Groups
PreK - ages 0 - 5 - Reading Goal 300 Points
Children ages 0-5 can join Summer Reading and earn prizes. Parents can track reading time and special activities on the Beanstack app. Anytime your child is listening to books or spending time looking at books counts, including attending storytimes or listening to audiobooks. Fun activities such as reading at bedtime or even taking a trip to the zoo can earn more points toward your child’s reading goal of 300 points.
Available Prizes
Sign up and get an activity booklet and keychain tag
Halfway Prize (150 points) – choose a free book, keychain tag, and coupon
Goal Prize (300 points) – choose a free book, keychain tag, and coupon
Bonus Prize (600 points) – choose a mini beach ball
Every 150 Points – Add a Sticker to our Oceans of Possibilities whale banner
Kids - grades K - 5 - Reading Goal 300 Points
Kids going into Kindergarten through 5th grade can join Summer Reading and get an activity booklet to guide them through the program. This is the perfect time to get your child excited about exploring different kinds of books, from nonfiction to graphic novels. The goal is to read 300 minutes, but points can also be earned by completing fun activities like reading to a pet, learning facts about the ocean, or attending a summer club.
Available Prizes
Sign up and get an activity booklet and keychain tag
Halfway Prize (150 points) – choose a free book, keychain tag, and coupon
Goal Prize (300 points) – choose a free book, keychain tag, and coupon
Bonus Prize (600 points) – choose a mini beach ball
Every 150 Points – Add a Sticker to our Oceans of Possibilities whale banner
Teens - grades 6 - 12 - Reading Goal 600 Points
Teens entering 6th grade through 12th grade will have a reading goal of 600 minutes, and they can also earn points toward their goal with Activity Badges. Teens can read books or articles, graphic novels, game guides, or whatever they are interested in. Listening to audiobooks is another way to reach the reading goal. Try out our digital library.
Available Prizes
Sign up and get a bookmark
Halfway Prize (300 points) – Choose a button or sticker, and a coupon
Goal Prize (600 points) – Choose a free book, get a commemorative cup, and one virtual ticket for prize drawings
Every 600 Points – Earn another virtual ticket for the end of summer Prize Drawings
Adults - ages 18+ - Reading Goal 600 Points
Did you know adults can also read and earn prizes in the summer? Reading has many benefits including brain connectivity, increasing empathy, reducing stress, and being a great role model for young people to show how important it is to be a lifelong reader.
Available Prizes
Sign up and get a bookmark
Halfway Prize (300 points) choose a button or sticker, and a coupon
Goal Prize (600 points) choose a free book, get a commemorative cup, and one virtual ticket for prize drawings
Every 600 Points – Earn another virtual ticket for the end of summer Prize Drawings
Sponsors
Prizes are available because of the generosity of many organizations and businesses, including the Manhattan Library Association Friends Group and Manhattan Library Foundation. All kids and teens can earn up to 2 free books, and adults can earn 1 free book, in addition to other prizes and free stuff. Ask a librarian for more information.
