Summer Learning Program

Adults, Friends, Kids, Seniors, Teens

Our Summer Learning Program begins on Monday, June 20 and runs for six weeks, through Sunday, July 31. This summer’s theme, Oceans of Possibilities, celebrates marine life and habitats. Check out our Summer Learning Program teaser video!

Program Details

Who can participate?

Everyone! We will have challenges for four different age groups.

  • Emerging Readers – For babies through preschool
  • Elementary – For youth entering grades K-5 in the fall
  • Teens – For youth entering grades 6-12 in the fall
  • Adults – For all those older than high school age

How do I sign up and participate?

Visit the library (view our hours on the left side of this page) beginning on June 20 to pick up a Summer Learning Program folder with event information, details on how to register for Beanstack, a bookmark, and maybe a small treasure or two. We will also have some optional handouts available, such as age-specific recommended reading lists, children’s activity newspaper (while supplies last), and a paper tracking form for those who need or prefer it.

Summer Learning Registration Kick-Off Table
Pick up materials at our registration kick-off table during one of the following times and you could also get a balloon animal and your hand painted!

  • Monday, June 20 from 4-6 pm
  • Wednesday, June 22 from 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Saturday, June 25 from 2-4 pm

You can also sign up directly online using the Beanstack app or website. Sign up for one of our reading challenges in Beanstack during the first week (June 20-26) and you will be automatically entered into a raffle for 2 free passes to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom!

All reading logs, activity logs, and prizes will be entered using Beanstack. You can register online using our Beanstack site or the Beanstack app (search for Huntingdon Valley Library). Challenge registration will be available in Beanstack beginning on June 20. Beanstack will allow you to:

  • Register all readers under one family account (easiest if one main person or device will be logging the family’s reading)
    OR adults can register children and teens for their own accounts (easiest if the child/teen has their own device and will be logging for themselves) 
  • Log reading time (you can even time your reading sessions through the app!)
  • Log learning activities
  • Earn badges & raffle tickets
  • Submit raffle tickets for prizes
  • Write book reviews & read reviews from fellow HVL patrons in your age group
  • Access book lists
  • Invite people to Friend you using a code and see how your reading compares to your friends on the Leaderboard. Learn how this works in the mobile app or on the website.
  • Share readers between accounts (good for multiple caregivers watching one child)

To find out how to do things in the app, watch Beanstack’s general videos on how to view/participate in challenges, use the reading timer, log past reading, log activities, and log a book as completed.

If you already have a Beanstack account, just update the information for all of your readers (to make sure they will be in the correct challenge for their age group) and register them for our Summer Learning Program reading challenge. Challenges will be available starting on June 20 and will appear on the Challenges tab (on a web browser) or the Discover tab (in the app).

Can I participate if I don’t have internet access?

YES! For those who need or prefer a paper log, paper logs will be available, but all of your data will need to be added to Beanstack in order to enter prize raffles. People who have internet access (feel free to use the public computers at the library!) can transfer the information to Beanstack from the paper logs themselves, but those without internet or who prefer help can bring any paper logs in to the library. Staff will be happy to add your information to Beanstack for you and assist you with submitting tickets for prizes. Bring paper logs in to the library periodically during the summer to get new reading logs and/or to enter smaller raffles. All paper logs must be submitted to the library in person by close of business on Friday, July 29 (earlier is better for staff!).

What counts toward my reading time?

Fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks, ebooks, graphic novels, magazines, school reading…EVERYTHING! If you’re reading, it counts! For emerging readers not yet reading on their own, log the time that others are reading to them. 

Are there prizes? 

Yes! Depending on the age group, we will have weekly, biweekly, and/or grand prize raffles that you can enter to win. Prizes will include grand prize baskets, tickets to area attractions, small gift cards, and book sets. All prizes must be picked up at the library (we are unable to mail prizes). 

Will there still be a community reading goal? 

Yes! This year, we are trying to beat last year’s total time. Last summer, our library community read 307,021 minutes (averaging 20 hours per person for the challenge!). Contribute to our community goal to help us read 307,022 minutes or more! Can we beat our time from last year and by how much?

Events

We have a full slate of events planned. Most events will be held in person, unless listed otherwise. Click on the links for more information and to register.

Wednesday Night Family Programs:

Thursday Night Teen Events:

Other Events

  • Virtual “Art with Anita” Workshop for children: Super Manatee Painting*
  • Percy Jackson Party*
  • Guided Nature Walks at Valley Center Park*
  • Virtual College Application Prep Series:
    Financial Aid Jumpstart*
    ACT vs. SAT*
  • Computer Classes (for students entering 8th grade and up)
    Maximizing Microsoft Excel (2 days/times available)*
    Computer Programming Using Java (2 days/times available)*
  • Chess Club for Kids (weekly sessions)*
  • Game Knights for Teens (2 days/times available)*
  • Crafternoons (multiple sessions)
  • Outdoor Endeavors (multiple sessions)
  • Family Movie – Encanto
  • Adult Book Club – Have You Seen Luis Velez?
  • Huntingdon Valley Library Writing Group (for students entering grade 8 and up)
  • Preschool, Toddler, and Saturday Storytimes

Events with an asterisk* require registration. Some events without links have multiple sessions. Please visit our online calendar for more information and to sign up for registration-required events.

Thanks to our sponsors!

The Summer Learning Program is sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library, with additional support from:

  • Blitz Tutors
  • The Bucks County Children’s Museum
  • Crayola Experience
  • Create Me Pottery
  • Dairy Queen of Bethayres
  • Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
  • Lee’s Hoagie House of Southampton
  • Mad Golfer Golf Club
  • Penn Cinema
  • Philadelphia Rock Gyms
  • Sesame Place
  • Speed Raceway
  • Sushiman