Sweater Weather Reading Challenge (Dec 19, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025)

Pick up the Sweater Weather Reading Challenge at the Children’s Desk. Turn it in completed by January 4 to get a FREE BOOK!

Once you’ve completed 12 challenges and colored all the sweaters, turn in your completed sheet to the Children’s Desk by January 4 to get your prize - a coupon for a FREE BOOK from the Read it Again Bookstore!

Challenges include:

  • Drink hot cocoa while you read.
  • Read about an Arctic animal.
  • Make an indoor fort and read inside it.
  • Read with a family member or friend ton a video call.
  • Make paper snowflakes and read a book about snow.
  • Read a holiday book that is set in another country.
  • Make cookies and munch while you read.
  • Read a book about snowmen.
  • Read a book with a movie adaptation.
  • Read a mystery.
  • Read to your favorite stuffy or one of our American Girl Dolls.
  • Read a book published the year you were born.
  • Read a book with everyone who lives in your home.
  • Read a book recommended by Library Staff.
  • Read a classic.
  • Read in your favorite pajamas.
  • Draw a picture about something you read.
  • Read about something yummy.
  • Read using a flashlight.
  • Read ANYTHING!
  • Listen to an audiobook, Bookflix, Wonderbook, Tonie, or Yodo.

Parents and Guardians, we’d love to see your kids on our socials! Snap a photo, post to Facebook and Instagram, and tag us @bentonvillepubliclibrary so we can share!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

The concept is simple; the rewards are priceless! Read 1,000 books to your child before he or she enters kindergarten. It may sound daunting, but think of it this way:

If you read 1 book each day, you'll finish the program in 3 years.

If you read 3 books each day, you'll finish the program in 1 year.Reading together forms strong bonds between child and caregiver. It also increases vocabulary, encourages imagination, builds listening and communication skills, and helps children learn about the world around them. Establishing a reading routine at a young age could inspire a love of books that lasts a lifetime - so let's get started!

How to participate:

  • Register in person at BPL's children's desk or through the Library's Beanstack page.
  • On your reading log, mark off one circle for each book you and your child read together.
  • When your log is complete, bring it to the library for a milestone keepsake and your next log.
  • If you prefer to record your reading digitally, download the free Beanstack app. You will receive a notification each time you've earned a prize.

Prizes:

  • Your child will earn a milestone “brag tag” for every 100 books read.
  • At 1,000 books, your child will receive a free book and an invitation to an annual celebration for that year’s finishers. Your child will also be recognized with his or her name inside a new library book for all to see!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • When can I start tracking the books my child and I read together?
    • You can start tracking books the day you register for the program!
  • How long do we have to finish the program?
    • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is self-paced and can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete. There’s no deadline as long as you finish before your child enters kindergarten.
  • Can my child complete the program more than once?
    • Yes, children are welcome to complete the program up to one time each year until they enter kindergarten.
  • What books count toward the program?
    • Each and every book you read to your child counts - including ebooks and audiobooks! You can also include books read by teachers, librarians, and other caregivers. Does your child like to listen to the same book over and over again? You can log that book each time you read it!
  • Can we read books in languages other than English?
    • Absolutely! We encourage caregivers to read in any language they prefer.
  • Do you have a reading program for school age children too?
    • Yes, children who have already started school are encouraged to participate in the Ethan Putt Pledge.

To learn more about this program, please visit the library.

Ethan Putt Pledge

Readers in Kindergarten - 6th grade are encouraged to join the Ethan Putt Pledge! This program was created to honor a young BPL patron who had a passion for reading. Reading was never a chore for Ethan. He challenged himself to read at least 40 books a year!

Kids who read and record at least 40 books during the year will be recognized with their name placed inside a new library book for all to see. To register, stop by the Library's children's desk or visit our Beanstack page.

Summer Reading Club

Every year Bentonville area kids rise to the challenge to read all summer long. Our Summer Reading Club features paper and digital trackers, events, giveaways, and a grand prize. Summer Reading Club 2024 is over, but make sure you keep an eye on this page for Summer Reading Club 2025!

Monthly Beanstack Challenges

Complete reading challenges all year long with BPL's Beanstack challenges. Register for the monthly challenge, record your reading, and earn cool digital badges along the way. Beanstack challenges are open to patrons of all ages.