The Stanislaus County Library invites all ages to join the Summer Reading Challenge, “Reading Colors Your World,” taking place now through Aug. 3. Children and teens participate by keeping track of each day they read or are read to for at least 30 minutes. Adults are asked to track each book they read and can choose to also write brief reviews of the books they read this summer.

Summer Reading Challenge participants will use the Beanstack app to log their reading and submit reviews. Virtual tickets are awarded along the way. Participants can then enter the tickets they’ve earned into specific prize drawings.

A range of prizes are available, including early learning activities for babies and toddlers, LEGO blocks, a Ukulele starter kit, Ozobot-Evo coding robot, Apple iPad, Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset, gift cards, themed baskets, and more.

“What’s most important is that we keep kids interested in reading and learning,” said Michele Machado, children’s librarian and coordinator of the Summer Reading Challenge. “Using the Beanstack reading platform makes logging and tracking easy, and we hope it will inspire everyone to read all summer long.”

Those who are unable to use the Beanstack reading platform, can still participate, by simply tracking their reading at home, then returning to the library for logging in the Beanstack system.

In addition, several performers are lined up to provide some virtual shows to keep kids interested in reading, starting with Matt Sandbank’s Shadow Factory, available for viewing May 21 through June 3 on the library website, www.stanislauslibrary.org. Didgeridoo Down Under, an Australian-themed show follows June 4 through June 10; a performance by Magical Nathaniel takes place live online June 18, and Izzi Tooinsky, The Wild Man, will entertain with his juggling and comedic storytelling act, available July 2 through July 15. Platforms for these shows vary, so viewers are encouraged to visit www.stanislauslibrary.org throughout the summer for details.

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