The Clearwater, Becker, and Big Lake Libraries are once again participating in Great River Regional Library’s (GRRL) Winter Reading Program.
“Light Up the Mind” is the program’s theme this year, which began on Jan. 2 and runs through Feb. 27. Open to anyone in 6th grade and older, it’s designed primarily for teens and adults, and offers fun incentives for readers to start or keep up with their winter reading.
The 2021 Winter Reading Program is once again utilizing Beanstack, a program that allows readers to log their winter reading online at griver.beanstack.org, or in the Beanstack app. By downloading and using the app, readers can keep track of their reading, get book recommendations, and earn online badges to help them make reading a habit. Readers can also log their winter reading hours with a traditional reading log that can be obtained from their local library.
“Two aspects of Beanstack that I think patrons really like are the instant gratification of earning electronic badges for completing listed activities and being able to track the titles of the books they have read,” said Becker/Big Lake Librarian Jeannette Burkhardt. “Beanstack is a great way for people to have the list available.”
Participants track their reading time by half hours, not number of books, which is more doable and less intimidating for all levels of readers.
The Clearwater Library will be drawing for prizes weekly, including $15 local gift cards provided by the Clearwater Area Friend of the Library (FOL), and mugs and winter hats provided by GRRL. A Kindle 7 was donated for the grand prize, and the FOL is also providing a $25 local gift card for second place.
The Becker and Big Lake Libraries also have mugs and hats provided by GRRL, as well as other prizes. Instead of picking a prize when their reading coupon is returned, patrons will receive a Library Scratch Off card that reveals their prize. Along with other items, Becker has prizes from Clearwater Caribou, 1000 Hills, and McDonald’s Meats. Big Lake is offering blankets and gift cards.
