Sonoma library launches winter reading challenge

Sonoma County Library is joining other libraries around the world in the Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge. Children ages 0 to 12 are challenged to read at least 600 minutes between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28 and track those minutes in Beanstack. Children who meet the goal of reading 600 minutes will earn a free book.

Children and parents are encouraged to log their reading through Sonoma County Library’s new online reading program, Beanstack, a web and mobile application, to track self-directed reading time and help build a culture of reading in school and at home. The software makes it easier for students and families to record reading and stay motivated while providing insights and data about reading habits to school and library administrators. It can also suggest book titles readers might enjoy based on their interests and reading “doorways.”

“We’re excited to bring this new platform to Sonoma County, and families can easily register at sonomalibrary.beanstack.org or through the link on the library’s website homepage,” says Kathy DeWeese, Sonoma County Library’s youth services administrator. “January is a great time to start new habits and we hope everyone will be excited to start off the year by making time for reading.”

To enroll, visit sonomalibrary.beanstack.org or the library. Paper logs for keeping track of reading time are also available in English and Spanish. To qualify for the challenge, reading times must be recorded on the Beanstack site by Feb. 28.