Summer Learning Program

Save the date! Huntingdon Valley Library’s Summer Learning Program begins on Saturday, June 22 and will run for just over six weeks, through Sunday, August 4. This summer’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Join us for our Summer Learning Kick-Off Party between 1 and 3 pm on Saturday, June 22 in Red Lion Gym (next to the library).

Program Details

Who can participate?

Everyone! We 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?

Starting on June 22, you can sign up either at the library or register directly using the Beanstack app or website.

What is Beanstack?

Beanstack is the online software that we use for our reading programs. All reading logs, activity logs, and raffle tickets (for prizes) will be entered using Beanstack. You can register online using our Beanstack site or the Beanstack app (search for Huntingdon Valley Library). 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 (starting June 22). Challenges 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 would prefer a paper log, those will be available beginning on June 22, but all of your data will still need to be added into Beanstack in order to enter prize raffles. People who have internet access can transfer the information to Beanstack from the paper logs themselves (feel free to use the public computers at the library!), 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 Saturday, August 3 (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 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). 

Events

We are currently planning fun summer events for children, teens, adults, and families. More details to come.

Thanks to our sponsors!

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

(More sponsors will be added as donations are received. If your organization would like to donate to our Summer Learning Program, please call Head of Youth Services Vanessa Nelson at 215-947-5138 or send email to hvlys@mclinc.org.)