2021 Summer Reading Program!

The Summer Reading Program will run from June 7 through July 31. Our theme is “Dig Deeper.” Everyone from babies, toddlers, and kids, to teens and adults can participate to win badges by completing reading and activity requirements in their age category.

The library is taking our Summer Reading Program online using Beanstack. This web-based or mobile app will track your reading activities so you can earn “badges.” Other library-related activities have badges to earn, too. Examples include attending a virtual event, downloading an ebook, or attending one of our virtual or outdoor programs. Some activities offer a physical prize to be picked up in the library or an entry into a drawing.

One of the benefits of Beanstack that we are most excited about is that parents or guardians can create a family account and log everyone’s reading and activities in the same place. We hope you enjoy using Beanstack!

If you don’t use a smartphone or computer regularly then library staff will get you started. At that time, you will receive a paper log to record your progress. Then throughout the Summer Reading Program, you will return to the library with your log to have your reading and activities marked off by staff to earn incentives. For adults and teens who prefer to do the traditional paper log, see the section below For Adults & Teens.

Register Now!

Using Beanstack

To access Beanstack on your mobile phone, download the app:

iPhone

Android

Looking for help? We have tutorial videos to help you use Beanstack.

Beanstack Signup Web Tutorial

Beanstack Signup App Tutorial

If you experience any trouble with registering for Summer Reading or using Beanstack, give us a call at 708-672-8017. We’ll be glad to help you out!

Kids

Ages 0-5

Beanstack

Challenge Badges

When you register for Beanstack you will receive your first badge. The Registration badge will also get you your first reward. For registering for Summer Reading you will earn a Summer Reading Bag and a Cone Cottage Coupon. When you finish the program you’ll also earn a Challenge Completed badge. To finish the Summer Reading program, your child must read or listen to someone reading for 10 hours. 

Ages 6-11

Printables

Printable Reading Logs for Ages 0-5
Printable Activity Booklet for Ages 0-5

You may use these logs if you would like to keep track of your reading on paper, then record it in Beanstack later.

If you do not have a smartphone or computer, use the paper logs. Paper copies will also be available in the library.  Make sure to bring in the paper logs each time you visit so we can record your progress and make sure you get your incentives! 

Beanstack

Challenge Badges

When you register for Beanstack you will receive your first badge. The Registration badge will also get you your first reward. For registering for Summer Reading you will earn a Summer Reading Bag and a Cone Cottage Coupon. When you finish the program you’ll also earn a Challenge Completed badge. To finish the Summer Reading program, your child must read or listen to someone reading for 10 hours. 

Printables

Printable Reading Log for Ages 6-12
Printable Activity Booklet for Ages 6-12

You may use these logs if you would like to keep track of your reading on paper, then record it in Beanstack later.

If you do not have a smartphone or computer, use the paper logs. Paper copies will also be available in the library.  Make sure to bring in the paper logs each time you visit so we can record your progress and make sure you get your incentives! 

Volunteer

The Youth Services Department is looking for volunteers this summer for our outdoor programming and kit assembly! Teen volunteers who enjoy working with the public and are flexible are ideal. If you are a teen who needs volunteer hours for school, fill out the form below and will contact you if spots are available. The library does not offer volunteer hours for court-mandated issues. Hours are given at the discretion of the library staff. Library staff can reject submissions if we deem your work to be insufficient or inappropriate, or you don’t show up for an assigned shift. Applications are processed as they are received. Placement of volunteers occurs as positions and projects become available.
Volunteer Form

Adults & Teens

Beanstack

Adults and teens are also encouraged to participate in the Summer Reading Program. As in previous years, there will be weekly drawings for gift certificates to local businesses and bi-weekly games in which you can win small prizes.

Those who are comfortable using either the Beanstack website or the Beanstack app can go directly to the Beanstack login page and login or create an account. 

When you register for the program, you will earn your first “badge:” a Cone Cottage coupon. Come to the Info Desk to receive your coupon. After that, you can check-in every week for a chance to win that week’s drawing, plus you can earn other badges by completing activities in Beanstack or having your log stamped at the Info Desk. Every other week there will be a game at the Info Desk where you can earn other prizes.

Printables

2021 Adult and Teen Summer Reading Paper Log and Reading Log

If you know you would prefer to participate via a traditional paper log, you can use the same, easy, online form we’ve been using for several years. You can sign up here or by stopping at the Info Desk. Print a copy of the paper log (below) or grab one at the library.

 

Beanstack Help

To access Beanstack on your mobile phone, download the app:

iPhone

Android

Looking for help? We have tutorial videos to help you use Beanstack.

Beanstack Signup Web Tutorial

Beanstack Signup App Tutorial

If you experience any trouble with registering for Summer Reading or using Beanstack, give us a call at 708-672-8017. We’ll be glad to help you out!

Events & Programs

Adults & Teen

The Dig Book Discussion

Have you ever wanted to be part of an archaeological dig that uncovered astonishing treasures? If so, you will enjoy reading The Dig by John Preston, a story that describes a real-life dig in England that happened just before World War II. Instead of a one-time event, this discussion has been set up as an ongoing experience on a specially created website where you can learn more, share your thoughts, and read what other people have to say – all at your own convenience. No pre-registration required.
Join The Discussion

All Ages

Multi-Library Geoache Event

Unrelated to our Summer Reading Program, but also a summer tradition, the library is again participating in the Multi-Library Geocaching Competition from June 1-August 2. The program is virtual again this year. You will use your smartphone camera to scan QR code “caches” at each library. The QR code will take you to a page where you can “log” the cache and enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card. The more libraries you visit, the more chances you have to win. Anyone can participate, but you must have a library card in good standing to win.
Multi-Library Geocache Event

For Kids

Dig Deeper: QR Code Scavenger Hunt

Dig deeper into a Summer Reading adventure by going on a QR Code Hunt in downtown Crete! Print the Code Hunt Form, then search for clues in local business windows on Main Street and fill out the form as you go. Once the form is completed, turn it in to Youth Services for a prize! One form per family.
Code Hunt Form

All Ages

Crete History Selfie Scavenger Hunt

How well do you know Crete? In this game, Willard Wood, the founder of our village challenges you to dig deeper into Crete’s past. To play, you will follow his clues to find 10 outdoor locations around town. At each site, take a selfie photo of yourself or your team. Submit your photos to the library to be entered into a prize drawing for gift certificates to local businesses.
Crete History Selfie Scavenger Hunt

All Ages

Around The Town Scavenger Hunt

Explore Crete by going on a family scavenger hunt around town. Check in to Youth Services to receive a prize. One entry per family, please!
Around The Town Scavnger Hunt