Take a trip back in time with our Life in the Past Lane Summer Reading Program! Explore the decades with fun events that delve into the fads, fashion, and funky dance moves of eras gone by. With a library card in hand, join us as we step back in time and get lost in the pages of nostalgia.
Patrons of all ages will enjoy reading or listening to books (any kind you want!) all summer long through one of our three reading programs, all while winning some fabulous prizes! There's something for EVERYONE to enjoy at NMPL's Summer Reading Program!
Patrons of all ages will enjoy reading or listening to books (any kind you want!) all summer long through one of our three reading programs, all while winning some fabulous prizes! There's something for EVERYONE to enjoy at NMPL's Summer Reading Program!
KID'S SUMMER READING - PAPER |
KID'S SUMMER READING - BEANSTACK |
HOW TO SIGN UP: On June 3rd, when the Summer Reading Program begins, participants can come into the library and sign up at the children's circulation desk.
PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS: Kids will receive a fun coloring page tracker to keep track of their hours spent reading. (Please note: Patrons using paper trackers are not eligible to win a grand prize. Grand prize winners must participate on Beanstack.)
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HOW TO SIGN UP: Once the reading program begins in the summer, participants can sign up via the FREE Beanstack app. Be sure you've got the Beanstack app downloaded on your phone beforehand, so you'll be ready to go!
PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS: Kids will love our interactive summer reading app! They will use the app to track their hours of reading, and every three hours (0 - 5 years), four hours (6 - 9) or five hours (10 - 12 years) wins them a cool section prize. They will also get to earn fun badges by participating in special reading challenge, and the chance to earn Grand Prize tickets to try to win one of our grand prize packages! |
Children's Summer Reading FAQ
Q. What ages are able to participate?
A. Ages 0 – 12 are able to participate in the Children’s program, but we're always happy to make exceptions for older kids who want to participate in the Children's Program! (Please note that Beanstack locks in by age. If they want to read outside of their age bracket, they will need to choose the paper trackers instead of virtual.)
Q. Do different ages have different challenges?
A. Yes! 0 – 5 year old's will read 3 hours for each prize, 6 – 9 year old's will read 4 hours for each prize, and 10-12 year old's read 5 hours to earn each prize. We are flexible. If a younger child wants a bigger challenge and would like to go for reading more hours, then that's totally fine! If an older child is a struggling reader and needs to read less, that's okay!
Q. What do we do if a child loses their paper tracker?
A. Come to the children's desk and we'll help you sort it out!
Q. Can my child read books that aren’t in the library? Can they participate without a library card?
A. Absolutely!
Q. What do the badges do?
A. Badges are virtual rewards that readers earn in Beanstack - it's just a fun way to keep motivated on your reading journey!
Q. Can a child go through Summer Reading multiple times?
A. Yes! On Beanstack they will continue to earn badges and grand prize tickets for each hour read. The more reading they do... the more tickets they earn!
Q. What’s the last day for getting prizes?
A. The final day of Summer Reading (July 27th) is the last day to collect prizes.
Q. We want to use Beanstack but we don't have smart devices or laptops. What do we do?
A. No problem! Stop by one of the Beanstack stations at the check out desks and use the library tech to create an account, log your minutes, or apply your grand prize tickets!
A. Ages 0 – 12 are able to participate in the Children’s program, but we're always happy to make exceptions for older kids who want to participate in the Children's Program! (Please note that Beanstack locks in by age. If they want to read outside of their age bracket, they will need to choose the paper trackers instead of virtual.)
Q. Do different ages have different challenges?
A. Yes! 0 – 5 year old's will read 3 hours for each prize, 6 – 9 year old's will read 4 hours for each prize, and 10-12 year old's read 5 hours to earn each prize. We are flexible. If a younger child wants a bigger challenge and would like to go for reading more hours, then that's totally fine! If an older child is a struggling reader and needs to read less, that's okay!
Q. What do we do if a child loses their paper tracker?
A. Come to the children's desk and we'll help you sort it out!
Q. Can my child read books that aren’t in the library? Can they participate without a library card?
A. Absolutely!
Q. What do the badges do?
A. Badges are virtual rewards that readers earn in Beanstack - it's just a fun way to keep motivated on your reading journey!
Q. Can a child go through Summer Reading multiple times?
A. Yes! On Beanstack they will continue to earn badges and grand prize tickets for each hour read. The more reading they do... the more tickets they earn!
Q. What’s the last day for getting prizes?
A. The final day of Summer Reading (July 27th) is the last day to collect prizes.
Q. We want to use Beanstack but we don't have smart devices or laptops. What do we do?
A. No problem! Stop by one of the Beanstack stations at the check out desks and use the library tech to create an account, log your minutes, or apply your grand prize tickets!
SECTION PRIZES
As kids complete each section of the reading program, they'll be rewarded with some truly fantastic prizes!
SECTION 1 PRIZE - PUSH POP CANDY LOLLIPOP + FIVE BONUS GRAND PRIZE TICKETS
A favorite 80s and 90s treat, this delicious candy certainly hasn't worn out it's welcome. Flavors of cotton candy, watermelon, blue raspberry, and strawberry will keep everyone happy! SECTION 3 PRIZE - BACKPACK & SUPPLIES
+ FIFTEEN BONUS GRAND PRIZE TICKETS With a variety of cool 90s colors to choose from, this backpack is stuffed with folders, a notebook, scissors, glue, erasers, crayons, and a pencil sharpener - just the things to start the year off right! |
SECTION 2 PRIZE - SQUISHY EGG STRESS BALL
+ TEN BONUS GRAND PRIZE TICKETS With bright colors and textures that harken back to the 2000s, this squishy toy is the perfect reading companion for fidgeting hands! SECTION 4 PRIZE - SUMMER READING T-SHIRT
+ TWENTY BONUS GRAND PRIZE TICKETS + TIN CAP TICKET & MEAL VOUCHER Show everyone you've read Through the Past Lane with this stylish, soft, and comfortable t-shirt! (Sizes Youth XS-Adult Large are available) |
GRAND PRIZE PACKAGES
KID'S GAMING BUNDLE
Nintendo Switch Lite (Turquoise) Gaming Console with Animal Crossing game, and a carrying case.
Nintendo Switch Lite (Turquoise) Gaming Console with Animal Crossing game, and a carrying case.
KID'S CAMPING BUNDLE
MalloMe Sleeping Bags, Gorilla Grip Lightweight Camping Hammock, Outdoor Equipment LED Camping Lantern & Headlamp Set, Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, Rainleaf Microfiber Camping Towel, and Freeze Dried Candy
MalloMe Sleeping Bags, Gorilla Grip Lightweight Camping Hammock, Outdoor Equipment LED Camping Lantern & Headlamp Set, Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, Rainleaf Microfiber Camping Towel, and Freeze Dried Candy
TOP READER PRIZES
DRINK TUMBLERS
The child who logs the most minutes this summer will one of three vintage-inspired drink tumblers, featuring the colors and designs we all know and love from the 70s, 80s, and 90s!
The child who logs the most minutes this summer will one of three vintage-inspired drink tumblers, featuring the colors and designs we all know and love from the 70s, 80s, and 90s!
SUMMER READING SPLASH PARTY
Sunday, August 18th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Once again we are hosting a Summer Reading Splash at the Strauss Peabody Aquatic Center for the first 100 kids who complete the NMPL Summer Reading program!
The library has booked the therapy pool with slide, the lap pool and the outdoor splash pad for children to enjoy. All ages – even little ones – will be able to enjoy this event! Lifeguards will be on duty.
All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The pools, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool will be available for adults to enjoy but they must be responsible for their children during that time.
Capacity is limited so no more than one adult per child. Multiple children in the same family may be accompanied by only one parent but two parents are also allowed.
Remember, only the first 100 children to complete Summer Reading will receive a pass for this event so once the program begins... START READING!
The library has booked the therapy pool with slide, the lap pool and the outdoor splash pad for children to enjoy. All ages – even little ones – will be able to enjoy this event! Lifeguards will be on duty.
All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The pools, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool will be available for adults to enjoy but they must be responsible for their children during that time.
Capacity is limited so no more than one adult per child. Multiple children in the same family may be accompanied by only one parent but two parents are also allowed.
Remember, only the first 100 children to complete Summer Reading will receive a pass for this event so once the program begins... START READING!
2023 Summer Reading Gallery
Thanks to all our wonderful patrons who participated in our 2023 Once Upon a Summer Reading Program! We had a BLAST celebrating a magical summer of reading with all kinds of fun programming and events, and we hope you did too! Thanks for the wonderful memories!