A new year can bring with it new challenges. However, not all challenges automatically mean something negative, especially when it means you have the opportunity to win prizes or learn something new! If one of your goals for this new year is to read more, then I recommend joining one of the local reading challenges that our libraries have to offer. There are options for the entire family!
I am an avid book nerd and will never turn down a good read, whether it's borrowed, used, free, or brand new. I love to see my kids reading and I am proud to say that I have shared that passion with all four of my children. What I love about participating in these local reading challenges is that it can be a great way to get your children excited about reading, you can share what you have learned with your family, and it encourages the love for reading to be carried on into the next generation.
Our local libraries also have summer reading challenges that help with keeping our kids engaged and learning over summer break. However, joining one of these local reading challenges as a family at the start of a new year can bring the love of reading into your home all year long.
Here are the details for the 2024 local reading challenges:
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Iberia Parish Library |
The Iberia Parish Library offers reading challenges for patrons of all ages throughout the year. his year. This year they are combining our love of the Mardi Gras season with the love of books.
The Mardi Gras Reading Challenge
The Mardi Gras Reading Challenge opened on January 8, 2024 and runs through February 16, 2024. The challenge is open to all ages and encourages participants to read at least 600 minutes via books, magazines, audiobooks, or graphic novels. You can sign up at one of the local branches of the Iberia Parish Library or if you have a existing Beanstack account, you can register online.
Beanstack is a digital tool that most of our local libraries use to track and record progress for reading challenges. Once you have your Beanstack account set up through the Iberia Parish Library, you are good to go! You can continue to use this account for any other reading challenges that come up throughout the year with the Iberia Parish Library. You can also visit www.iberialibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack app on your android or IOS device.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
This program through the Iberia Parish Library is offered all year long and was created for younger children who may just be learning to read or who enjoy trips to the library for picture books. Parents can register at one of the local branches or online via Beanstack and log the reading they do with their child. You can count your books more than once too!
This program is great for the littles to foster a love of books, learning, and encourages quality bonding time with your children or grandchildren.
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Vermilion Parish Library |
This January the Vermilion Parish Library is offering local patrons the opportunity to participate in the 2024 Winter Reading Challenge title Where We Come From. The program is offered to patrons of all ages and is set up by categories depending on your age. This challenge will run from January 1, 2024 through January 31, 2024.
Patrons must create an account through Beanstack via the Vermilion Parish Library system. This log-in and account will be separate from any other Beanstack accounts you may have with other library systems. Visit them online or stop by one of the local branches of the Vermilion Parish Library system for assistance with creating your account.
Where We Come From Winter Reading Challenge
Ages 0 to 6 years of age
For children ages 0 to 6 years of age, parents can log the books their children have read to earn electronic badges for their reading. Once you have completed earning the badges your child will be entered to win a grand prize. One winner will be selected from this age group. The goal for the readers in this category is to read 10 books per week.
Ages 7 to 12 years of age
Children will log their reading with their parents help during the challenge earning electronic badges in order to be entered into the grand prize drawing. There will also be one winner selected from this age group. The goals if for kids to read 1 book per week. And, books can include ebooks, audiobooks and magazines!
Ages 13 and older
Using the same concept as the other age groups, teens and adults are encouraged to also join the challenge during January. The goal is to read 1 book per week and eligible material also include books, audiobooks, comics, cookbooks, and magazines.
The Vermilion Parish Library also participates in the Summer Reading Challenges so be sure to register for those opportunities later this year. You can also connect with and follow them on Facebook for all of the latest updates on upcoming events and activities for the entire family.
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St. Mary Parish Library |
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Similar to the program via the Iberia Parish Library, the St. Mary Parish Library offers this reading challenge to the younger readers to encourage a love for books. Parents log the books their child has completed with the goal of completing 1000 books before kindergarten. No matter if your child is still in diapers or not, reading with your child offers a time that both of you can look forward too.
The St. Mary Parish Library system also has the ability to register and create accounts via the Beanstack system. Again, this will be separate from any other Beanstack accounts you may have with other libraries. They also offer reading challenges over the summer months for all students and their families to keep learning over summer break.
Be sure to connect with the St. Mary Parish Library on Facebook for all latest updates to upcoming events and programs for this year.
St. Martin Parish Library |
The St. Martin Parish Library participates in different reading challenges throughout the year as well as book clubs, homeschool meet-ups, and other events that encourage kids to love learning and reading. But StoryWalk is one of my favorite programs that is available all year long, and ... you don't need a library card.
 Image via St. Martin Parish Library |
StoryWalk
StoryWalk incorporates the love of reading and physical movement at specified locations throughout St. Martin Parish. You have the opportunity to walk and read with your child or allow them to finish each book on their own while getting outside, getting exercise, and enjoying nature all at the same time.
The StoryWalk features walking paths with children's books at local parks such as Longfellow-Evangeline State Park, Clayton Boudreaux Memorial Park, Paul Angelle Park & Adam Carlson Park, Cade Park, Stephensville Park & Magnolia Park.
Louisiana Young Reader's Choice Award
The St. Martin Parish Library encourages young patrons to participate in the Louisiana Young Reader's Choice Awards. Going on its 25th year, this program young readers to complete a list of books in their age group and then vote on their favorites later in the year. The list of books ranges from novels to poetry and gets kids enjoying the pleasure of reading a good book. The ages and categories are as follows:
K through 2nd grade
3rd through 5th grade
6th through 8th grade
9th through 12th grade
Children in 9th through 12th grade are encouraged to read at least 2 books from their list. The other age groups are encoragaed to read at least 3. If your child reads every book on their age appropriate list, they will receive a certificate signed by a state librarian. Every book on the list for 2024 can be found at the St. Martin Parish Library. This program is available to all Louisiana residents every year.
Be sure to connect with the St. Martin Parish Library for any questions on this program or any other upcoming programs this year. You can also connect with and follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.
