Challenge yourself! The library has reading challenges for all ages throughout the year.
For Kids
Earn prizes as you complete reading and activity challenges. For infants through kids entering 6th grade.
From June 1-July 31, 2023.

How It Works
- Visit the Children's Desk to pick up a Reading and Activity Log.
- Keep track of the time that you read and the activities that you complete.
- Once you have read for 20 hours and/or completed 10 activities, bring your log back to the Children's Desk to collect your prizes.
- Finishing prizes will be available from June 18 through July 31.
- You may complete the initial program one time. After you are done, you can keep reading and complete as many "Peace Out" logs as you like for an end-of-summer prize raffle.
For Teens
Read books, earn badges, and win amazing prizes this summer. For teens 6th-12 grade.
From June 1-July 31, 2023.

How It Works
- Sign up on the library's Beanstack website or download the Beanstack app.
- Read 1 book, write 1 review, and attend 1 Teen or Forge program to collect your finishing prize.
- Continue earning activity badges to get raffle tickets you can use for a chance to win one of the themed baskets (one basket per winner).
- Finishing prizes will be available at the Information Desk from June 20 through August 12.
- Raffle basket winners will be contacted on August 1 via the information provided in Beanstack.
- For teens entering 6th grade through 12th grade.
For Kids
1000 Books before Kindergarten
Strengthen your parent-child relationship, stimulate brain development, and build lifelong language and literacy skills.
How it Works
- Show your Ela Library card at the Children’s Reference Desk and fill out a quick registration form.
- Receive a log to keep track of your reading and a free tote bag to carry all your books!
- Read whatever books you like.
- Complete 1,000 books, then pick up your t-shirt prize and take a photo with our finisher sign.
- Visit our 1,000 Books page for more info.
For Teens and Adults
12 to Try Annual Reading Challenge
Allow us to treat you to 12 different genres and topics! For teens and adults ages 16 and up. From January 1-December 31, 2023.
How It Works
- Sign up on the library's Beanstack website or download the Beanstack app.
- Read books on 12 different themes anytime during the program.
- Enjoy a book of your choice within each topic or click a badge in the challenge to select a title from reading lists curated by our librarians.
- Complete 12 books and pick up your 12 to Try prize! Prizes available from March 1, 2023 until January 5, 2024 at the Information Desk.
Finishing up 2022's 12 to Try program? Prizes are available at the Information Desk through January 6, 2023!
100 Books Before...
Teens, here's your chance to earn prizes for all the books you read. For teens grades 6-8 and 9-12. Starting January 1, 2021, and ongoing.
How it Works
- Sign up on the library's Beanstack website or download the Beanstack app. Stop by the library to pick up a registration prize.
- Read any 100 books you like before high school/graduation.
- For every 25 books read, come to the library to pick up a prize.
- Complete 100 books before high school/graduation and pick up your final prize.
- Visit our 100 Books page for more info.
Need Help?
- Phone: (847) 438-3433 x0.
- Email: childrens1@eapl.org for kids or readers@eapl.org for teens and adults