Reading Challenges

Challenge yourself! The library has reading challenges for all ages throughout the year.

Kids' Winter Reading Program

A banner image featuring a reading yeti.

December 1 through January 31.

Are you yeti to read? Don't get cold feet, stop by the Children's Desk to find out how you can earn prizes for completing reading and activity challenges this winter.

Year-Round Challenges

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.