Reading Programs

Reading Programs

Please note: We use Beanstack to manage our reading challenges. Through Beanstack you’ll be able to participate in challenges, earn incentives, and discover great books. It’s free to sign up and your information will remain confidential. 

• All the Feels Winter Reading Challenge: All the feels this winter! Learn about the history of emojis, explore the importance of emotions, and discover fun activities to express yourself fully. From Jan. 1–31, Alameda Free Library is participating in “All the Feels,” a winter reading challenge sponsored by Beanstack.
  
  We challenge our community to read and log 8 hours during the challenge. Earn fun emoji-themed badges for logging your reading and completing activities, and a "Create Your Own Emoji" sticker sheet upon completion! You must read for 8 hours and complete all activity badges by January 31st to earn the prize. Prizes available at each Alameda Free Library branch while supplies last until February 12th. 

• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: This free program encourages you to read 1000 books with your child before they enter school. Every child enrolled receives a tote bag, a folder for recording the titles listened to, and information on ways to help children gain the skills needed to be ready to learn when school starts.

• Pin Pals: Your challenge is to read five books from a single genre, then tell us which of the five books was your favorite and why. When you're done, come into your neighborhood library and claim your pin to keep and wear. There are 15 different genres and 15 different pins. Collect them all!

• Virtual Field Trips: Visit the animals, landmarks, local attractions, and hidden gems of our world from the comfort of home. Earn digital badges - like passport stamps - as you complete activities and enjoy this fun way to travel the world with the help of your local library
  and your library card.

• Digital Literacy (for grades K-5 and 6-12 or adult): Participants will enjoy earning digital badges as they learn digital citizenship; online safety;
  typing skills; how to use; identify, and care for technology; and more, and earn a digital certificate upon completion.

• Summer Reading: This free program encourages you to read for 12 hours and complete 12 activities between June 1 and July 31. The more challenges you complete, the more prizes you can win. Everyone who completes all three challenges will get to choose their very own book that they get to keep forever!

• Seasonal and Special Occasion Challenges: Visit alamedafree.beanstack.org frequently throughout the year to find limited seasonal challenges, too! 

Book Club

Kids in grades 2-7 may join either Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced Book Club.
Children's Book Clubs

8th grade students may contact Aireana, our Teen Librarian, at 510-747-7713 to inquire about joining the Teen Book Club. 

Story Times

In-Person storytimes are now live!