Summer Reading 2026 is here!
Our Summer Reading Program runs from May 26-July 19. The main component is the summer reading challenge! This years theme is Unearth A Story!
Log your reading online through the Beanstack site or app – where babies, kids, teens, and adults can all participate to win prizes by completing reading requirements for their category. It also includes book and activity logging, badges and registration for all members of the family under one account. Simply register one time to participate in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge at Joplin Public Library!
Not sure how to use Beanstack? We have two training options, a short webinar found here (from Summer Reading 2021 “Tails and Tales”) OR a step-by-step slideshow (from Summer Reading 2020 “Imagine Your Story”)
Instead of tracking your time and activities virtually, participants may instead use a paper gameboard. Gameboards may be picked up in the Library any time between the dates of May 26 and July 19. Scroll down to the appropriate challenge to print your gameboard.
Children
Click here to register for/log in to Beanstack
Unearth learning and fun with the Joplin Public Library Children’s Department this summer! We will read, challenge, explore, learn, and create while having fun! Read and join in to win prizes!
This program is split into three age groups and reading totals differ per age group.
- Pre-readers (ages 0-4); Must complete 2 hours of reading and 10 activities to earn a prize; Click here for PDF gameboard
- Early Readers (ages 5-8); Must complete 4 hours of reading and 10 activities to earn a prize; Click here for PDF gameboard
- Readers (ages 9-12); Must complete 6 hours of reading and 10 activities to earn a prize; Click here for PDF gameboard.
Prizes:
Gameboard/Level 1: Win a book of your choice, treasure chest item, local food and activity coupons
Gameboard/Level 2: Win a book of your choice, treasure chest item, food coupon
Each gameboard earns you five entries into the prize drawings of your choice!
Each age group can complete their required reading hours a third time for additional entries into the grand prize drawing of their choice.
Prize drawings include: Ocean Adventures Gift Certificates ($20), a gift certificate to Journey through Slime, a birthday party at Helix Athletics, backyard exploration tools, dinosaur-themed prize packs, summer reading-themed goodies, and more!
Questions? Please contact the Children’s Department by emailing childrens@joplinpubliclibrary.org or calling (417) 623-7953, ext. 1035
Complete Children’s Calendar of Events
Teen
Click here to register for/log in to Beanstack
Click here for PDF gameboard.
It’s summer fun time in the Teen Department! Discover, unwind, create, hang out, try something new–it’s up to you! The Reading Challenge and events are open to ages 13-18. Read and join in to win prizes! Participants must complete 8 hours of reading and 10 activities to be eligible for a prize.
Prizes:
Gameboard/Level 1: Win a book of your choice, a sticker, plus 5 entries in the prize drawing.
Gameboard/Level 2: Win a book of your choice, a sticker, plus another 5 entries in the prize drawing.
Prizes in the drawing include gift cards to Hurley’s Heroes Comics and Games, Joplin Ave Coffee Company, Tee Time, B&B Theaters, and more!
Complete Teen Calendar of Events
Questions? Please contact the Teen Office by emailing teen@joplinpubliclibrary.org or calling (417) 623-7953, ext. 1027.
Adults
Click here to register for/log in to Beanstack
Click here for PDF gameboard.
Adults 18 or older are invited to participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Gameboards will be available to keep track of reading progress, and events will take place over the course of the summer. Participants must complete 10 hours of reading and 10 activities to be eligible for a prize.
A digital option for keeping track of your progress will be available through Beanstack.
Prizes:
Gameboard 1: Win a browsing bag, sports bag, water bottle, book band, or a 3D printed dinosaur, plus a sticker and 5 entries to the prize drawing of your choice.
Gameboard 2 and 3: Earn 5 entries to the prize drawing of your choice.
Prize drawings include:
Downtown Date Night ($25 to Starry Eyed Girl, $25 to Royale Cinema Lounge, $10 to Bearded Lady Coffee, $50 to Red Onion).
Unearth a Story (Rockhounding excavation kit, leather bound notebook, The Rockhounding Bible).
Summer Fun ($25 class voucher to Spiva Center for the Arts, $20 to Empire Market, 4 passes to Roller City, $10 to Dutch Bros, $10 to Andy’s Frozen Custard, $25 to Chaos Brewing, $30 to B&B Theatres).
All About eBooks ($20 to Amazon, Kindle Paperwhite eReader 16GB).
Reading is My Personality (reading journal, book tote bag, reading mug and coaster, reader stationary set including bookmark, stickers, notepad, and sticky notes, $25 to Books-A-Million).
Complete Adult Calendar of Events
If you have any questions about adult programming, please contact the Reference Department at 417-623-7953.
