Indianapolis Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off

The Indianapolis Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is back and offering prizes for kids’ and adults’ reading goals.

The annual program opened registration May 1 for the summerlong challenge. It’s free to participate, and kids and adults can earn their first prize after just one hour of reading.

How does it work? The Indy library system uses an online program called Beanstack to help readers track their time engaging with library materials. Patrons can register on the Beanstack website or download its app in Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

You can then use Beanstack to log hours spent reading, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to others or having a book read to you. Graphic novels, magazines, e-books and newspapers count, too. Reading materials can be items you own or materials checked out from the library branch nearest you.

The program encourages readers of all ages — preschool to adult — to participate. Readers win prizes based on the time they log in the Beanstack system. Participants, for example, can collect prizes after one hour, five hours, 10 hours, 15 hours and 20 hours of reading.

Prizes vary by age and include everything from snacks and toys to passes to visit the Indiana State Museum or tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game. Patrons are encouraged to visit any library branch when they’ve met hourly goals to collect a prize.

The Indianapolis Public Library’s website provides age-appropriate reading recommendations and activities as part of the Summer Reading Program. And, local day cares, summer camps and school programs are encouraged to contact their local library branch to register as a group.

While registration is open now, the program runs from May 31 to Aug. 2. Local branches are planning community events to kick off the start of the summer program May 31. To see how your nearest branch is celebrating, visit the Indianapolis Public Library’s events page.

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Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X @carleylanich.

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