How to use Beanstack

Summer Reading is still in full swing here at the library and there are a lot of great books waiting for you and your family! One of the best things about Summer Reading is that you can log any of the books you read into the reading challenge. 

For Adults, for every 30 minutes of time you've spent on reading you get a "badge". For Littles, Middles, and Teens, for every 20 minutes of time spent reading you get a "badge". The badge looks different based on whether you get the punch card as an adult, a tracker sheet as a youth, and if you decide to use Beanstack this year.

The punch cards and tracker sheets are fairly easy to understand, but for those who may not be well-versed in Beanstack let me care to explain. Beanstack can be utilized as an app on your smart device or through a browser on your computer. You simply log in using a valid email address and create a password. Then you connect to your library (Portland District Library), once you have done that the Challenges will be associated to your account.

In order to navigate to the Summer Reading Challenge, you will simply locate the Challenges tab and select it. However, it looks different between the smart device app and the desktop version. 

If you are using a smart device, you will want to find the Discover tab at the bottom of your screen. Select it, which will take you to a page where you will see three options near the top of your screen to select from. If Challenges is highlighted, you will see all the available reading challenges (and even the ones you've participated in the past). You will then want to select the current Summer Reading Challenge, "Tails and Tales", and click the button to join. On a desktop computer, after you have signed in, the page will automatically be on the Challenges tab, you simply need to find the current challenge, select it, and join.

Each badge on Beanstack equates to a ticket, so you can use those to enter into the prize pack that you want to win. You simply select the Challenge, find the Drawings option, and select it. Then, find the prize you wish to enter your tickets into, select it, and then hit "Add Tickets". You can add all your tickets to a drawing or divide them up and allocate them as you see fit.

Please visit our Facebook page to keep up on Summer Reading and the announcements for the winners of our prize packs!

 

Check out why you should Summer Read!

Why Should You Summer Read? 

Summer at the library is always an exciting time! And this year is no different. Our staff has 

worked hard to make sure we have something for everyone in the family to enjoy. 

Between the reading program – where patrons of all ages can enter to win prizes –

new books and movies being added to the collection, and program sign up, the library has 

been very busy each and every day. We hope our patrons have discovered some of our 

non-traditional collections such as STEM Kits, puzzles, board games, and even coloring books 

& supplies to enjoy as well! 

Read on to find out more about the summer slide (and how to avoid it), 

our programs, and this year’s generous list of sponsors. We hope you’ll stop by for a visit soon!

How to Avoid the Summer Slide

The summer slide is a popular term used to describe a decline in reading and other 

 academic skills that can happen during the summer months when school is not in session. 

It’s important that children of all ages are intellectually challenged during these long, hot, 

summer months.  

Not only can you find things to do at home, but the library can help here too! 

Some quick tips to help your child stay busy: 

1. Let kids read what they want

The more children enjoy what they’re reading, the more they’ll get out of it.

2. Make time for smart play

Games and puzzles are a great way to keep your child engaged.

3. Get out of the house

Getting out and about (even for a walk or playtime at the park) helps to stimulate the 

brain and promote learning.

4. Use your imagination

Children who use their imaginations tend to experiment more with new concepts and

 also expand their vocabularies.

Incentivized Reading Program

Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales is this year’s incentivized reading program. It runs 

until Friday, July 30th and is open to patrons of ALL AGES. With two weeks left, 

there is still time to join in on all the fun!!

Patrons can decide between using PDL’s virtual reading tracker, Beanstack 

(pdl.beanstack.org), or picking up a traditional paper tracker at the library.

Adults will get a prize for unlocking their first badge and then can enter to win one of 

9 prize baskets at the end of the summer. Youth readers, ages 18 and under,

will earn prize for every badge they unlock and also earn an entry into one of the many

 grand prize packs for each age group: Littles (ages 0-5), Middles (ages 6-12), and Teens 

(ages 13-18).

All it takes to start earning prizes is to read, read, and read some more, log minutes,

 and enter your tickets to be entered to win one of our many GRAND PRIZE PACKS!

Programs

On top of the reading program, we are currently offering programs for all-ages!

Check out our summer calendar at the library for information on more upcoming 

programs in JULY and AUGUST:

Busy Bees Story Time (ages 3 & under)

Book Cubs Story Time (ages 3-5)

FabriCritters (ages 6-12)

Murder in the Stacks: A Grizzly Murder (all-ages)

MiLibrary Quest (ages 13-18)

Teen Art Hour: Glowing Mystical Glowing Lanterns IN-PERSON (ages 13-18)

STEM Club: Investigative Crew (ages 6-12)

Nature Detectives (all-ages)

Back-To-School Survival Kit (ages 13-18)

Tails on Parade (all-ages)

Mind Your Beeswax: Kitchen Edition (ages 16+)

Feeding Frenzy (ages 6-12)

Sponsors

Summers at the library would not be what they are without the hard work of 

our staff along with the generosity of Portland area businesses, in and around, donating coupons and items for our reading program prizes. 

 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Portland Party Store, Fabricated Customs,

 Great Start Ionia County, Westside Grocery, The Port, Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery,  The Reading Room, Zap Zone Lansing, Subway, & Taco Bell!!!!