Summer Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge | Programs and Events | Reading Challenge FAQ

Calling readers, artists, and creators of all ages: it’s time to “Color Our World!” with the Library’s Annual Summer Reading Challenge. Explore a vibrant summer reading adventure filled with brilliant books, hands-on creativity, and a palette of exciting prizes. The summer reading challenge is open to readers of all ages and abilities.

color our world with colorful clipart

Reading Challenge

June 17 through August 8, 2025

Read, have fun, and win prizes with the online reading challenge for all ages. Beginning June 17, 2025, record your reading and collecting badges, located exclusively in Beanstack.

All reading and activities MUST be logged in by August 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. to be eligible for prizes. 

REGISTRATION BEGINS JUNE 17

Reading Challenge FAQ

  • What is Beanstack?
    • Beanstack is our free online service that allows readers of all ages to log their reading, participate in activities, earn badges, and enter prize drawings. Access the website or download the Beanstack Tracker mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  • How do I participate?
    • Log in or register with Beanstack by clicking the button above or visiting btpl.beanstack.org. You’ll collect badges by logging your reading and completing activities. Each badge you collect earns you a ticket. Use your tickets to enter the prize drawings that interest you. Keep in mind that the challenge ends on August 8 at 11:59 p.m. so get all your logging in and tickets entered before then.
  • What ages are allowed to participate?
    • There are reading programs designed for all ages, newborn through adults. Only the reading programs you are eligible for will be visible to you when you’re logged into Beanstack.
  • My newborn or toddler would like to participate but can’t hold books or read yet.
    • Reading out loud counts, for both the reader and the listener.
  • Do I have to do the reading challenge online? Is there a paper option?
    • The reading challenge is only available online through Beanstack. If you need help using Beanstack or require additional accommodation, please contact us.
    • Participants from birth through 8th grade can pick up a paper reading log at the Youth Services Desk to track their reading before entering it into Beanstack.
  • Do I have to complete all of the badges?
    • No, you’re not required to get all of the badges. For each badge you complete, you receive a ticket to enter the prize drawings. This means that the more badges you complete, the better your chances of winning. But the reading challenge is meant to be fun, not a burden. Don’t stress, just do as many badges as you’d like.
  • What if my question isn’t answered here?
    • Call (248) 642-5800 or contact us with any further questions.

Programs and Events

View the event calendar for a full listing of programs and events.

FEATURED EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

Summer Reading Kickoff with Food Trucks

  • Tuesday, June 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Family and friends of all ages are invited to join us as we kick off a colorful summer of reading. Sign up during the event for the “Color Our World” Summer Reading Challenge, and discover crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and more at the Library.
  • Food trucks will be set up in the parking lot from 5 – 8 p.m. for you to purchase treats and enjoy dining outdoors on one of the Library Terraces.
  • Overflow parking is available at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1100 Lone Pine Road, with a shuttle service running throughout the event courtesy of Bloomfield Township Senior Services.
  • No registration required.

Color Our World Craft Kit: Tiny Art

  • Monday, June 30
  • Create a tiny work of art on a small canvas. Keep your work for your own private gallery or lend it to the library to display. For children aged 5 and up through adult.
  • No registration required. Pick up kits at the Adult and Teen Services desk or the Youth Services desk while supplies last.

All Ages Puzzle Tournament

  • Saturday, July 12, 1 – 4 p.m.
  • It’s back, so gather your puzzle-loving family and friends! Puzzle players of all ages and levels may compete in teams of 2 – 4 players for a chance to win fun prizes.
  • Team registration is required and begins June 14.

Summer Reading Wrap Up: A Color Party for All Ages

  • Friday, August 8, 2 – 4 p.m.
  • Put on your most colorful outfit and join us for an afternoon of live music, outdoor art, and an indoor glow party!
  • Musician Randy Kaplan will be singing colorful tunes from 2 – 3 p.m., and the Library will dim the lights and amp up the fun with a glow-tastic celebration.
  • Kona Ice food truck will be in the parking lot, with cool and colorful treats to purchase and enjoy on one of the Library Terraces.
  • No registration required.

YOUTH & FAMILY

Outdoor Family Story Times

  • Dates and times vary.
  • Join us outside for story time this summer on the Youth Services Terrace. Families can cozy up together for stories, songs, rhymes, movement, and more fun. In the case of inclement weather, Story Time will be held inside.
  • No registration required.

Summer Family Movie Marathons

  • Dates and times vary.
  • Bring a blanket and cozy up at the library for themed movie marathons!  Popcorn and water provided, but nut-free snacks are welcome.
  • No registration required. 

Music at the Blissful Family Concert

  • June 20, 4:30 p.m.
  • National touring musician Music at the Blissful (Evan Haller) will present a fun-filled, interactive, movement-packed music experience for the whole family.
  • No registration required.

Reptarium

  • July 10, 4 OR 5:30 p.m.
  • The Reptarium is visiting with some of their live animal friends.
  • Registration is required.

TEEN

Riddle Duck Hunt & Duck Dash

  • June 25, 3 p.m.
  • Use clues to solve the riddles then dash through searching for ducks.
  • For ages 13-18. Registration is required.

Teen Painting with a Twist

  • July 8, 2 p.m.
  • Bring a canvas to life while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
  • For ages 13-18. Registration is required.

After-Hours Vintage Video Game Night

  • July 18, 6:30 p.m.
  • We’re bringing out our favorite old-school consoles and games!
  • For ages 8+. No registration required.

Darts & Arts

  • July 29, 2 p.m.
  • Make splatter art using paint, balloons and darts!
  • For ages 13-18. Registration is required.

Project Runway Challenge

  • August 21, 2 p.m.
  • Test your skills and creativity in a Project Runway-inspired challenge!
  • For ages 11 – 18. Registration is required.

ADULT

Visual Arts Club

  • Dates and times vary.
  • Anyone who paints, draws, or creates any type of visual art is welcome to bring their current project and enjoy meeting with other visual artists of all skill levels.
  • No registration required. 

Pewabic: Detroit’s Pottery

  • June 25, 7 p.m.
  • Join us for a look into the 122-year history of Detroit’s iconic Pewabic Pottery.
  • Registration is required.

Sitcom Showdown: Family TV Trivia!

  • June 30, 6 p.m.
  • Test your knowledge in two hours of family sitcom trivia with My Trivia Live!
  • Registration is required.

Transformation Station: Saving Michigan Central Station

  • July 22, 7 p.m.
  • Learn about Michigan Central Station’s extraordinary transformation process.
  • Registration is required.

And so much more! Check the event calendar for the full list of programs and events.

Updated 5/2025 SHC