Reading Programs

2024 Summer Reading Program: Adventure Begins at Your Library starts June 6 and runs through August 17.

This reading program is based on what you read!

• Explorers are reading Board, Picture, and Early Reader Books.
• Globetrotters are reading Chapter and Plus Books.
• Thrill-Seekers are school-age kids reading Teen and Adult Books.
• Trekkers are adults reading  Teen and Adult Books.

The last day to enter tickets and redeem and spend Dragon Dollars is August 28, 2024. 

FAQ:

Q: How do you use Beanstack?

A: The Live Oak Public Library has some great video tutorials on how to get started in Beanstack:

• Introduction to Beanstack
• Creating an Account (Our Beanstack is found at deforestlibrary.beanstack.org)
• Using Beanstack on a Computer
• Using Beanstack with the Android App
• Using Beanstack with the Apple iOS App

If you need further assistance with Beanstack, feel free to email Jessica at jsvetlik [at] deforestlibrary.org (jsvetlik[at]deforestlibrary[dot]org), or stop at the circulation desk during our open hours. 

Q: What are Dragon Dollars?

A: Dragon Dollars are our Reading Program currency. As you read books and complete activities you will earn Dragon Dollars that can be spent in our Reading Program Prize Store, or donated to the DeForest Area Needs Network, the Dane County Humane Society, and/or the DeForest Area Public Library Endowment Fund.

Q: What are Tickets and how do I earn them?

A: Tickets are virtual entries into prize drawings. They are earned when you participate in our reading program. You earn them by entering books, writing reviews, logging events, and completing activities. Tickets can be entered into different drawings (paper participants may enter one drawing per paper form turned in) for a chance to win special prizes that are only available for that reading program. In order to be eligible to win a ticket drawing you must have a valid phone number or email address on your Beanstack account.

Q: Can I log events that I (we) attend at the Library?

A: Yes! You can log events on the mobile friendly website or in the Beanstack app. Events, like activities, will earn you points. Every 3 points earned equals 1 Dragon Dollar. There is a maximum of 60 points that an individual may earn this program. 
 

Q: Is there a difference between the paper and the Beanstack reading programs?

A: You can earn Dragon Dollars and enter ticket drawings whether you log your reading on paper or in Beanstack. Logging in Beanstack offers additional opportunities to earn Dragon Dollars and tickets. Examples of past Beanstack activity badges include links to book lists, links to educational websites that correspond to the reading theme, trivia questions, links to our resources, links to crafts and activities, challenges to try different genres of books, tell us a joke, etc.

Q: Who can join your reading program?

A: Everyone! We have a program for all ages and reading levels. If you are reading to your child or new born, you can register them and yourself under the Board, Picture, and Early Reader Books program. If you do not live in the DeForest Area you are still welcome to join. Please note that we do not ship prizes so if you would like to claim Dragon Dollars or enter ticket drawings you must be able to come to the Library to pick up your prizes. 

Q: I'm an adult reading picture books to my kids, can I still join?

A: Absolutely! Our programs are based on what you are currently reading. If you mainly read picture books to your kid(s) you can join the Board, Picture, and Early Reader Books program and if you are mainly reading Chapter books you can join the Chapter and Plus books program. It doesn't matter what age you are as long as you are reading or listening to books.

Q: Do graphic novels or audio books count?

A: YES! Any type of book counts.

Q: If my parent/guardian/sibling and I listen to the same book can we both count it?

A: Yes.

Q: Do the books have to be library books?

A: No. Although we do encourage you to use our library and our digital collections, any book you read counts. During our reading programs you can even count books you are reading in school! If you were given a Summer Reading List, not only can we help you get a copy of your book, you can count that book towards the reading program as well.

Q: Do we have to come into the library to donate our Dragon Dollars?

A: No, if you would like to donate your Dragon Dollars please email Jessica at jsvetlik [at] deforestlibrary.org with the amount of non-redeemed Dragon Dollars (meaning they are still owed to you on your Beanstack account) and which charitable cause(s) you would like to donate them to. This program's Charitable causes are: DeForest Area Needs Network, Dane County Humane Society, and DeForest Area Public Library Endowment Fund.

Q: Can I buy the prizes with real money?

A: No, the prizes in our prize store can only be purchased with Dragon Dollars. The reading program is free and open to everyone so sign up and start entering your reading!