Fairfield library introduces new app for summer reading

This summer at Fairfield Public Library, participants in the Summer Reading Challenge will log their reading time with a new app called Beanstack. The application, available for download in Android and Apple app stores, allows users to log reading, keep track of books read, and share reviews with friends.

Parents and caregivers can register as many youth as they like, all in one account, and log group reading time for everyone with just a couple of smart phone taps. Ottumwa Public Library, and more recently Washington Public Library, have also transitioned to this new service. In previous years, participants in reading challenges recorded their progress with paper reading logs and redeemed them with library staff for coupons and prizes.

With Beanstack, participants in reading challenges use a timer function to track reading, mark percentages through books, or add completed books by title. One of Children’s Librarian Sara Martindale’s favorite features is the barcode scanner that allows users to upload the title, cover art, and other details for books simply by scanning a book’s barcode with a smart phone.

The app will help library staff obtain participation statistics more easily and alert staff when reading challenge participants are eligible for a prize. Community members in Jefferson County can download the Beanstack app on a smart phone or navigate to Beanstack.com and click the “find a site” button in the top right corner to get started. Fairfield Public Library’s Kick-Off Party for the reading Program will take place Friday, June 2, from 1-7 p.m.