Six Mile Regional Library District announces it’s 2021 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is Reading Colors Your World! 

Reading Colors Your World has a broad motif of “colors” that provide context for exploring humanity, nature, culture, and science, as well as demonstrates how libraries and reading can expand our world through kindness, growth, and community. Library customers young and old will be encouraged to be creative, try new things, explore art, and find beauty in diversity.

Each year the SMRLD summer reading theme is decided by iREAD. Who is iREAD? Librarians, which currently includes our very own Youth Service Manager, Erica Hanke-Young; the readers of all ages infant through adult participate each year; and the renowned illustrators create artwork for our materials. Where is iREAD? Developed by the Illinois Library Association, the program is adopted in other states including Minnesota, California, Alaska, Iowa, and Oregon, and worldwide by the Department of Defense for libraries on military bases. iREAD is implemented in thousands of individual libraries across the country.

Why participate?

There is also a serious side to summer reading. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss. Studies also indicate children who read recreationally outperform those who don’t. They also read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests. Six Mile Regional Library District is committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for all ages.

With the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge, Teens have the opportunity to choose how they would like to engage with the Six Mile Regional Library District. The Teen Reading Challenge includes many different ways for teens to earn reading credit through various challenges and reading badges. This allows for each teen to tailor the program to their own personal interests and needs.

The summer reading challenge is not just for kids! Ten years ago, we expanded our summer reading challenge to include adults so no matter your age everyone can participate in the fun.  We encourage you to read or listen all year long and challenge you to finish an extra book or two over the summer.  When you show off your reading habits, it encourages your kids, grandkids, and neighbors’ kids to pick up a book and read as well.  No matter how many books you read this summer, everyone who has registered for summer reading will be entered into a weekly drawing for a Reading Colors Your World ceramic mug.  If you do complete the summer challenge, you will receive a special edition SMRLD summer reading t-shirt.  

How to participate?

There are two ways to sign up for the challenge. The first is online through Beanstack.  What is Beanstack, you ask?  It is an online platform to keep track of your reading.  With Beanstack, you are able to participate in the library’s reading challenges and log your family’s reading through the SMRLD Beanstack website, the mobile app, or connect through Alexa.  As you log your books, you earn badges that correspond to milestones within the reading challenge. You can also write reviews for books, read other reviews from Six Mile Library users, and opt to receive weekly book recommendations.  It is an interactive experience you take anywhere, without worrying about keeping track of a piece of paper!

Beanstack

How do I use Beanstack?

• Website  smrld.beanstack.com
  • How to create a Beanstack account on the webpage: https://zoobean.wistia.com/medias/5nedhz8ivr
  • How to log your reading on the webpage: https://zoobean.wistia.com/medias/4xan3g248d
• Beanstack Tracker App
  • How to register for a Beanstack account through the mobile app: https://zoobean.wistia.com/medias/3wkb50dk3o
  • How to register for reading challenges once you have an account: https://zoobean.wistia.com/medias/c5dz8mda78
• Alexa
  • How to add Beanstack to Alexa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVz_v467hXo

Paper

If you still prefer paper, you may register in person at either library and pick up a paper log.  Kids and teens will register in the Youth Services department and adults will register at the Customer Service desk. Once you complete a book, you will add the title and author to the paper log.  When you have completed the challenge, return the log to the desk where you received it.

Read along with 62040 this summer and let reading color your world!

Important Dates 

The challenge begins on May 28, however if you choose to use Beanstack you may preregister starting May 21.The challenge ends on July 23.    

All Ages Summer Reading Challenge Finale: Saturday, July 24  | 11 AM at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive

Get Your Challenge Completion T-shirt Prize at the Shirts Galore Mobile Printer & Enjoy the Bubble Bus!