Plant a Seed, Read!

Summer Learning Challenge 2026

Sunday, June 7 - Saturday, August 1 

For Kids, Teens & Adults

 

This Summer’s theme is Plant a Seed, Read! Sign up begins Sunday, June 7. The Summer Learning Challenge is for all ages, from birth through adults. The first week, June 7–14, is for registration only. Print logs will be accepted starting on Monday, June 15. 

 

Registration is completed through Beanstack and is available at the Library and online. Download the Beanstack app or visit newlenoxlibrary.beanstack.org to register yourself! To sign up in the library, see one of our Summer Learning Challenge volunteers in Youth Services and Teens and adults can also register at the Adult & Teen Services desk on the second floor.

 

You can download Activity Lists at newlenoxlibrary.org/summer. Activity lists are also available in either Youth Services (for Birth to 8th Grade) or Adult & Teen Services (7th Grade and up) at the service desks. Only reading and activities completed between June 7 - August 1 will be considered valid.


Choose Your Challenge:

We have challenges for kids, teens and adults. 7th and 8th graders should choose the Challenge that’s right for them. This year we also have a challenge designed just for teens and adults with disabilities. Please select one of the challenges below:

 

Birth–8th Grade

Complete the Summer Learning Challenge by doing the activities on the Birth-8th Grade Activity List.  Log your activities anytime on the Beanstack app!  Staff can also help you log your badges in Beanstack.

How to Participate

  • You do not need to do every activity
  • You can repeat the same activity
  • After completing 12 activities you will earn a prize token for our prize vending machine, a certificate of completion, a prize drawing entry, and a FREE book!
  • You may complete bonus logs to earn additional prize tokens & prize drawing entries
  • Pick up your prizes at the Youth Services desk
  • Drawings will be pulled on Monday, August 3

 

Teens & Adults (7th Grade & Up)

Complete the Summer Learning Challenge by doing the activities on the Teen or Adult Activity Lists. Log your activities anytime on the Beanstack app! Staff can also help you log your badges at the desk.

How to Participate

Beanstack Online/Mobile App

The entire challenge can be completed via the app including registration, activity logging and prize drawing entry.

  • Download the Beanstack app or visit the New Lenox Library Beanstack Website to create an account or log in.
    • Beanstack is available on:
      • iOS: App Store
      • Android: Google Play
  • Register for the 2026 Summer Learning Challenge.
  • Log your activities anytime by clicking “Complete Activity”, selecting a numbered badge, and checking off the number of completed activities. 
  • After completing five activities, you will earn a Beanstack badge. Five activities per badge, up to 10 badges.
  • Each badge earns you a ticket to enter into the prize drawing of your choice.
  • Enter your ticket on the “Ticket Drawings” page.

Paper Challenge

Staff and volunteers will enter your registration information, badges, and tickets into Beanstack for you at the Desk.

  • Visit the Adult & Teen Services Desk to register and pick up an activity list and print log.
  • Log your activities by writing the corresponding activity number in the boxes on the back.
  • After completing five activities, bring your paper log back to the desk for a prize drawing entry anytime on or after Monday, June 15.

Activities Lists, Printable Logs & Prizes

  • You can repeat the same activity; you do not have to complete every activity.
  • Every five activities earns a Beanstack badge and a prize drawing ticket.
  • The more activities you complete, the more chances you have to win a prize.
  • Maximum of 10 tickets per participant.One log per person.
  • View or print the full activity list and paper logs here:
    TEEN [PDF LINK]
    ADULT [PDF LINK]
  • See a full list of prizes at the Adult & Teen Services Desk or on Beanstack.
  • After notification, winners will have 2 weeks to pick up their prize or the prize may be redrawn.

     

Teens & Adult with Disabilities

Summer Learning Bingo is a new challenge designed for Teens & Adults with Disabilities. Support is available for any accessibility needs. 

How to Participate

  • Visit the Adult & Teen Services Desk to pick up a Bingo card or download one here! [PDF LINK]
  • Log your activities by marking off the Bingo boxes
  • Mark 5 activities in a row (up, down, or diagonal) to get a BINGO and 1 prize entry, or fill the whole card for 5 entries
  • When you are ready to turn in your card, bring it back to the desk for a prize drawing entry anytime on or after Monday, June 15
  • You may pick up a second card after turning in the first; maximum of 2 cards per person (10 entries total)
  • All cards are due by August 1
  • No registration or Beanstack account is required for this challenge


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