EBRP Library's Summer Reading Program Goes Digital (For All Ages)

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s 2020 Summer Reading Program, Imagine Your Story!, began Monday, June 1, and runs through Saturday, August 15. But it’s Summer Reading, Re-Imagined as it transitions to a new online program! The traditional summer reading program, which relied on paper logs, regular visits to the Library, and attendance at Library programs, was impacted by the ongoing disruption due to COVID-19, and it has pivoted to offer something that could work from a distance. Here are seven Summer Reading Challenges for all ages:

• Beanstack Summer Reading Challenges: It’s easy! Just read and complete activities to earn badges. Each challenge (except Red Stick @Home) has both a reading/logging element, as well as an activity factor. The rules, requirements, badges and incentives vary based on the age group. Sign up at your local Library location, or online at ebrpl.beanstack.org. There’s even an app!

There are three fun-filled programs for children based on their ages and reading levels: Dragon Cubs, for ages 0-5; Heroes in Training, for ages 5-8; and Storybook Adventurers, for ages 8-11. For Dragon Cubs, children can log up to 30 books to earn reading badges and complete up to 24 activity badges. Both Heroes in Training and Storybook Adventurers can earn up to 75 reading badges by completing timed reading sessions and collect up to 60 activity badges! All three Children’s Challenges can earn up to five entries into our weekly drawings. Completion packets will include a choice of two free book bags, a free book, and coupons from area vendors, while supplies last.

Our Teen Challenge, designed for ages 11-18, allows readers to earn up to 105 reading badges by completing timed reading sessions and complete seven quests (combined activities) to earn activity badges. Challenge yourself to collect all 112 badges this summer, and earn up to 22 entries into the weekly drawings for each of the milestone badges. Teen completion packets will include a free backpack with a surprise inside.

Adults, we would never leave you out! Our Adult Challenge, for ages 18 and up, still requires reading a minimum of three books to earn completion, but you can also keep reading and logging as in the past “paper” years. There are 24 activity badges designed to have you explore our website, databases, and your own personal account online. Adults will receive a canvas tote for their completion incentive.

If you’re looking for something less complicated, you’ll enjoy our All Abilities Challenge for all ages and all skill levels. These can be completed as an individual or with a helper. Each participant can read and log up to 20 books at whichever level of reading they desire and earn up to 16 activity badges, with assistance or without. Once you’ve read all your books, stop by the Children’s Room at your local branch for a completion certificate.

At the end of the summer, grand prize winners will receive prizes donated by area merchants and the Patrons of the Public Library. Start by registering yourself or a member(s) of your family. You’ll be able to sign up either through the link online, the free mobile app, or by speaking with a staff member. Stay tuned for more updates as the library prepares to go digital this summer.

• Page Turner Adventures: Adventure awaits you! The Library invites you to enjoy fun content from the Emmy Award-winning production company Page Turner Adventures. We’ll post special links to five new virtual programs each week that are created and produced by Page Turner Adventures. Get access to shows, crafts, games, and activities for kids by checking the online calendar atebrpl.com for drop dates for each, and visit the Children’s Facebook group page EBRP Library Kids Programming for special links to each program. Links also will be available inside your Summer Reading Beanstack account.

• Red Stick @Home Challenge: This special Beanstack challenge is for the whole family, and includes 33 activity badges designed to have patrons explore our community, including its cultural assets, attractions, and the work of local organizations.

• Summer Camp @Home: Each week, now through Friday, July 31, the Children's Room will have Summer Camp @Home packets filled with fun crafts, activities, and weekly schedules for our virtual programming. Stop by your local branch to pick up the base packet including the instructions, a Monday-Friday schedule, and a content packet. Pick and choose your family's schedule from the content choices and make the schedule that's right for your family's interests. Every weekend, we will have the next week's content pack ready to go! For more information, call the Children's Room at your local Library location. All printable activities will be available from our Kids Page on our website at www.ebrpl.com.

To sign up for the Summer Reading Program, visit your local Library location, or go online to ebrpl.beanstack.org. For more information about the Summer Reading Program, call the Main Library Children’s Room at (225) 231-3760. More information about the Library and any of its free resources, call (225) 231-3750, or visit the website at ebrpl.com.