Summer Reading Program 2022

Adventure and fun await those who journey to the library and participate in the “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Summer Reading Program. The program runs from May 31-July 31. In addition to reading great books, you can participate in exciting programs. The reading program is free for all children, teens, and adults.

Participants will earn prizes for reading or being read to. Want an extra challenge? Complete the activity badges to earn drawing entries for gift cards and larger prizes! You can count any reading you do! Books don’t have to be from the library, and you can include audiobooks, comics, or any other reading that you enjoy!

Summer Reading’s tracking and logging have moved to the virtual world of Beanstack. You can download the free app or visit norwalkiowa.beanstack.org. If you would rather have a paper reading log, you can pick one up at the library’s front desk.

Explore the free classes, programs, and events on our online calendar or pick up a paper copy at the library. We have campfires, crafts, movies, laser tag, nature programs, and so much more for all ages. Book your summer adventures at the library!

About Beanstack

What is Beanstack?

Simple! It’s the world’s easiest way to keep track of all the books you read. When you create a Beanstack account for yourself or your family, you’re instantly connected to your local library’s reading programs, so you’ll get credit for every minute and every page. We’ll keep all your stats for you, cheer you on while you work towards your program goals, and let you know when you’ve earned prizes. When your library’s program ends, you keep your account, and your reading history—it’s always free, and you can keep right on logging your leisure reading. When the next library program comes around, no need to re-register—just click on it, and you’re in.

How do I log my reading or activities?

In one swipe! Flip your book over and use your phone to scan the bar code on the back. Boom, you’re done. Seriously, the Beanstack mobile app makes it that easy. If you want to get fancy, you can also enter the number of pages, minutes, or hours (nice work!) that you read. If your library uses Activities, they’ll be there on your screen—just click the ones you’ve done.

Prefer to use your computer to log your reading? No problem. You can always enter your reading through your Beanstack account online, too.

How do I get the prizes I earn in Beanstack?

Every time you hit a reading milestone, you’ll win a badge—a little digital fist bump to celebrate the quality time your brain and your books have been spending together. Sometimes those milestones will come with real, actual loot from your library—we’ll let you know, so you can go in and claim your sweet reward. If your library uses a raffle system for prizes, you can even use Beanstack to choose which goodies you want your tickets to go towards.

May I add more than one reader to my account?

Of course. You can set up as many profiles as you like, for readers of any age. And if you’re a parent who reads aloud to more than one kid at a time, you can credit that reading time to multiple children’s accounts with a single click—no need to log it in separately for each of your avid listeners.

How do I update my password?

Tap that little “gear” button in the top right and hit “Edit Account.”

How do I stop getting emails from Beanstack?

Fill out form 247-GS in triplicate, then get a self-addressed, stamped envelope…

Kidding, kidding. Just click “Edit Reader” (it’s right next to your name) and hit “No” under Email Notifications.

View tutorial videos for tips and device-specific assistance with Beanstack.

See Upcoming Events on Our Event Calendar