Reading Challenges

Do you have a stack of good books you’ve been meaning to dig into? Are you hoping to start the new year with a new book or a fresh reading goal? We invite you to curl up with some good books this January! Readers of all ages may log their reading online during our Winter Reading Challenge that runs January 1-31, 2025. You don’t need to log books or minutes – just log if you read something! Readers who complete 10 days’ worth of reading will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to Valley Junction that can be used at any business in the district. For information on registering groups (such as classes or daycares) please send a message to youthservices@wdm.iowa.gov.  

Registration opens on Wednesday, January 1. You may sign up online, the Beanstack app from the App store or Google Play, or by stopping by the Children's or Adult desks at the library. 

For parents and children ages 0-6

One thousand books? That seems like way too many, right? Not at all. You got this. It doesn't matter if your child is three, or just three months - there's no better time to start than now!

Reading helps build social and emotional skills, sparks creativity and imagination, promotes bonding, and helps kids do well overall in school. Take that motivation, open one book, and get started. And remember, 1,000 is just a number. The goal is to work reading aloud into your regular routine, and let the magic of stories do the rest. You can register at wdmlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365 or via the Beanstack app for iOS or Android. 

If you would like a physical Badge Book (with stickers!), you can pick one up at the Children's Desk. Log each time you read a book and complete activities to earn awesome badges. You also get a special prize when you reach the halfway mark. When you've reached the magic 1,000 books, come take a celebratory photo with Oliver the Sheepdog! Happy Reading!

Our annual Summer Reading Club is back and bigger than ever this year! Everyone who registers (yes, adults, too!) will get an exclusive WDM Library Summer Reading sticker. Registration opens on May 20.  You’ll track your reading through the handy Beanstack app or with paper trackers handed out at the Children’s Desk. Readers of any age who log more than 30 reading days will win exciting prizes at the end of the summer! For information on registering groups (such as classes or daycares) please send a message to youthservices@wdm.iowa.gov.  

We are bringing back our Weekly Drawings as well, so each time you visit the building, don’t forget to fill out a Weekly Drawing raffle form to win prizes from local businesses throughout the summer. Events for all ages will be taking place as well, so don't forget to check our calendar for more details!

Registration opens on Monday, May 20. You may sign up online, the Beanstack app from the App store or Google Play, or by stopping by the Children's or Adult desks at the library.