Summer Reading for a Cause 2025
Get ready to take off with our reading program, running June 1 through August 1! This year’s theme, Book a Trip, invites readers of all ages to explore new worlds, enjoy fun events, earn prizes, and make a difference.
Learn how to register, join this year's challenge, log minutes and more with the Beanstack tutorial!
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How to Participate (June 1–August 1)
#1 - Create Your Account
- New Readers: We use an app called Beanstack to track reading progress and participation. Setting up an account is easy and only takes a few minutes. Watch this tutorial video for a basic rundown or contact us for help. Your Beanstack account is not connected to your library account in any way—it's only for this specific app
- Returning Readers: Sign in to Beanstack and start logging your reading! The action of logging automatically enrolls you in our program.
- Opt-in to Beanstack emails. These weekly emails are separate from the library's monthly newsletter and contain info about upcoming events and book recommendations based on your reading.
#2 - Log Your Reading
- We have a 3-tiered program on the Beanstack for kids (0-12), teens (13-17) and adults (18+). You may also pick up a reading log at the library.
- Complete each tier to earn prizes and raffle entries. Track the time you spend reading/listening. All types of reading count–audiobooks, comics, articles, magazines, storytimes. Read or listen to whatever you like!
- If we reach our community goal of logging 25,000 hours, we will donate $2000 to Pupcycled through our Friends of the Palo Alto Library.
#3 - Prize Pickup
- After completing Tier 1, you have earned your prize! Complete the remaining tiers to earn raffle entries for our grand prize drawings.
- Prizes can be picked up at Mitchell Park or Rinconada Libraries from July 1 to August 31. Grand prize winners will be announced on August 15. Make sure to complete and submit your reading log by this time to be eligible to win!Â
Featured Events
Global Voices: A Celebration of Languages
What's Up Wednesday: Insect Flight with BeetleLady
What's Up Wednesday: Paper Cut Greeting Cards
Handmade Books for Juneteenth (ages 8-12)
Global Voices: A Celebration of Languages
What's Up Wednesday: Insect Flight with BeetleLady
What's Up Wednesday: Paper Cut Greeting Cards
Handmade Books for Juneteenth (ages 8-12)
Prizes
Tier 1
If you log at least 5 hours of reading, you've earned a prize! Prizes can be picked up July 1 through August 31 at Mitchell Park or Rinconada while supplies last.
Kids Prize:
Book + FOPAL Book Bucks + Free Scoop from The Penny Ice Creamery
Teen Prize:
Stickers + FOPAL Book Bucks + Free Scoop from The Penny Ice Creamery
Adult Prize:
Collectible Pin + FOPAL Book Bucks + Free Scoop from The Penny Ice Creamery
About Pupcycled
Founded by high school students, Pupcycled, opens a new window turns donated clothes into dog toys to reduce waste and support shelter and rescue dogs. The library has hosted a donation drive and several sewing events at its branches to support the local Palo Alto chapter. We’re pleased to support this organization that works towards combating climate change and providing support for vulnerable pets in our communities
Sponsors
We’re especially grateful to our Friends of the Palo Alto Library for providing the funding for our program and donation to Pupcycled, opens a new window. Many thanks to all other sponsors and partners, whose gifts enhance our participants’ experiences in the summer reading program. We couldn’t provide all the fun and prizes without their generous support. Â
