Change and uncertainty have become the new norm, but there are some things that remain constant. The Packers and the Bears are still rivals, gravity prevents us from floating off into space, and the library will offer a summer library program.

You read that right! The library may not be open yet and yes, we’re a couple of weeks later than usual, but the summer library program is here! There are, of course, a few changes and we’re excited to introduce some fun new challenges, too.

The biggest change is how you log your progress. This summer, the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library gives you the option to go paperless! (Though we do, of course, still have paper records available to either print or pick up.) Register online using the web-based challenge tracker Beanstack or download the Beanstack Tracker app. Once you’ve created your account, you can add your family members to that same account; adults, children, and teens can all participate in summer library programs.

How we measure your progress is a bit different, too. In past years, we’ve asked you to record how many books you read and submit a slip for every three titles. This year, we’re challenging you to read for 20 hours between June 15 and August 15 (that’s an average of 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks). For every two hours you read, you’ll earn a ticket to enter into the prize drawings of your choice. This year’s prizes include a grand prize $100 Dotters Books gift card, four different themed prize bundles, and seventy-five gift cards for local businesses.

Reading isn’t the only way to earn prize tickets this summer. We’ve included 14 activity challenges you may complete for extra chances to win! Some of the challenges involve reading, such as Read On The Go (read an e-book or e-audiobook) and Soundtrack Surprise (listen to music you discovered in a book). Others challenge you to expand your horizons, such as Hit Those Local Trails (take a walk in nature) and Give Back (do something nice for your community).

We’ll wrap up our program with a virtual trivia contest on Friday, August 14 from 6-8 p.m. The theme will be Myths, Stories, and Fairy Tales. Check back later for more details!

Questions? Contact Information and Reference at 715-839-5004 or librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.

Want more information about the youth summer library program? Check out the program description or contact Youth Services at 715-839-5007 or ysstaff@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.