Summer Challenge Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Help with getting started with Summer Challenge

Help with getting started on the Beanstack Tracker App



General Questions

What is the Summer Challenge?

Summer Challenge is FCPL’s summer reading program. Daily reading lowers stress, builds empathy, and bridges educational inequities. Creating a reading habit is key to long-term educational success, and FCPL is here to help. Read for at least twenty days this summer, and you’ll build a healthy new habit that can reward you with exciting prizes.

Participants between 0 and 18 years old who complete the challenge by reading for twenty days between June 1-August 15 will receive a brand-new book and a virtual ticket for each day read to enter in a Beanstack prize drawing. Adults will receive a finisher prize and a virtual ticket for each day read. Keep reading and visiting partner destinations, and you will earn tickets for each day read and site visited.

What is Beanstack?

Beanstack is the name of the website where you can register to participate in the Summer Challenge. There, you can log your reading and destination check-ins. Beanstack also has a mobile app called Beanstack Tracker. If needed, paper game boards are available upon request or can be printed at home.

Download on the Apple App StoreGet it on Google Play

Do I have to pay to be a part of the Summer Challenge or the Beanstack website?

No, like all FCPL programs and resources, the Summer Challenge and Beanstack are available at no cost to you!

Do I need a library card to participate in the Summer Challenge?

You do not need a library card to sign up for the Summer Challenge or to participate in library programs. However, you will need a library card to check out books, DVDs, magazines, so we encourage you to visit your local branch library and get a card. Digital library cards are also available and provide access to ebooks and other online resources.

Is the Summer Challenge for adults too?

Yes! Summer Challenge is for everyone! Earn points by reading and visiting partner destinations. All participants ages 0-18 who complete the challenge by reading for twenty days between June 1- August 15 will receive a brand-new book and a virtual ticket for each day read to enter in a Beanstack prize drawing. Participants over 18 who complete the challenge will receive a finisher prize and a virtual ticket for each day read to enter in a Beanstack prize drawing. Keep reading and visiting partner destinations and you will earn tickets for each day read and site visited. Be sure to visit our calendar with programs for adults happening at our branches throughout the summer.

Signing Up

How do I sign up for the Summer Challenge?

Visit your local FCPL branch for a reading log, print your own at home, or track your reading through Beanstack. By using Beanstack, you will be able to enter your virtual tickets into monthly prize drawings. If you already have an account with Beanstack from a previous challenge, simply log in and register. Your username and password are the same.

You may sign up online via Beanstack or through the Beanstack app. For online signups: click “Register an individual or family” and follow the instructions. If you are a parent/guardian, you will have the option to register yourself first and add children to your account. This keeps all Summer Challenge accounts in the same place and makes it easy to keep track of everyone’s activities, reading logs and enter prize drawings.

For App users: download the free Beanstack app, listed as “Beanstack Tracker”, and follow the instructions to create your account in the app. Select “At my library, School, or Book Store” for How you will participate in Beanstack. If you are a parent/guardian, you will have the option to register yourself first and add children to your account. This keeps all Summer Challenge accounts in the same place and makes it easy to keep track of everyone’s activities, reading logs, and enter prize drawings.

Download on the Apple App StoreGet it on Google Play

I already have Beanstack 365 account, do I need to create a new one for the Summer Reading Challenge?

No, although you will want to update your information. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to create a reader profile for yourself, in addition to your child’s profile, so that you can log reading and destinations to win prizes. When you log in after June 1, you will have the option to participate in the Summer Challenge. If you opt in, then you’re all set.

I’m a daycare provider/preschool teacher. Do I need to register each child individually?

If you are caring for five or more children and the children in your class are approximately the same age, you can register your entire class at the same time. From the Beanstack homepage, select “Register a class or group,” and follow the instructions from there. Once you register, you can give each reader an individual name by going to your Profile Settings. 

How do I get a username and password?

Everyone who is participating in the Summer Challenge needs a unique username and password. You will select your username and password when you sign up for the Summer Challenge via Beanstack.

What if the username I selected has already been taken?

Try choosing a different username. Adding a number at the end of your preferred username might help, or selecting a combination of two usernames you like.

I want to change my password or I forgot my password. How do I get a new one?

If you want to change your password, log in, click on Settings – Account. Enter a new password and save.

If you forgot your password, go to the Beanstack sign in page and click on “I forgot my password.” Beanstack will send you a password reset email.

If you did not provide an email address when you registered for the Summer Challenge, contact library staff for assistance in resetting your password.

If I sign up online and use the Beanstack Website, is my information safe?

The library requests as little information as possible from you, and your name will never be visible to others viewing the site. The database that contains all of the information about your account is secured by encrypted password access. However, we encourage you not to share your username or password with anyone. For additional information about Beanstack security and privacy, please review their Privacy Page.

Why do I need to give the library a phone number?

We need to be able to contact you if you win one of our great prizes!

Why should I provide my email address?

You’ll receive a welcome email with instructions as well as recommendations for reading materials and library programs. Additionally, if you forget your password, it’s much easier to reset if you provide an email address.

What are the benefits of using the Beanstack app?

Track your progress easily by checking that you’ve read or visited a destination and Beanstack will give you automatic virtual tickets which you can use to win prizes throughout the summer.

Download on the Apple App StoreGet it on Google Play

Participating

What are Beanstack “Friends” and how do I use it?

Beanstack’s “Friends” is a new feature that allows you to share reading stats, badges, and challenges with others to compete on their leaderboard. Friends must be invited by the reader to participate. Note that this feature allows for interaction with other Beanstack users and readers.

My school uses Beanstack. Can I link my accounts?

Yes! Click here for detailed instructions!

How do I record what I’ve read or done?

Once you’ve logged into your Beanstack account, click on the “Log Reading and activities” button on the top of the screen. You can log reading or activities for yourself, for other individual readers under your account, or for all readers under your account at the same time.

How do I use the Beanstack App?

Beanstack, the website FCPL uses to track Summer Challenge participants, developed a free app for iOS and Android users. Login with your Beanstack username and password. If you do not know your password, visit fcpl.beanstack.org and click “sign in” and then “I forgot my password.” You can then use the app to track your days read or destinations visited while on the go. The app can record reading sessions to keep track of what you are reading; scan ISBN barcodes to quickly add titles to your log; manage family reading logs - mark reading for all or some members of your family at once! Any logging in the app will automatically be tied to your progress in Summer Challenge. The app also requires an internet connection.

What are Summer Challenge Destinations?

Summer Challenge Community Destinations are places throughout Frederick County who are supporting our Summer Challenge Program. Participants earn virtual tickets for each destination they visit. A list of this year’s destinations is available at FCPL.org/summer.

What is a Summer Challenge Partner program?

Summer Challenge Partners are community members and local businesses who have teamed up with FCPL to enrich our Summer Challenge. Summer Challenge Partners present and host programs and are Summer Challenge Destinations throughout the county.

Is there a way that I can see how my children are participating online?

Yes. When you are signing up a family, we recommend registering the adult first and then adding the children as “readers,” so there is one login with multiple associated readers. It’s much easier to keep track of what everyone under your account is doing, and logging information is very simple, too.

You can also “Share” a reader with another person. Sharing gives family, teachers, and friends access to a profile's recommendations, reading log, completed activities, and badges. This can be useful for keeping them up-to-date or giving them the opportunity to collaborate. Share a profile by clicking on "Edit Reader" from the drop down menu next to the Reader’s name at the top and following the instructions for “Share this reader.”

How do I finish the Summer Challenge?

You have completed the Summer Challenge when you have logged your reading for twenty days in Beanstack or your reading log. But the fun’s not over! Keep reading and visiting destinations for more virtual tickets to be entered in Beanstack prize drawings. All tickets must be used by August 15.

See the official rules page for full details.

How can I opt out of Beanstack email notifications?
  1. Sign in to your Beanstack Account.
  2. Choose the reader on your account who wishes to opt out of email notifications.
  3. Click on "Edit Reader" from the drop down menu next to the Reader’s name at the top
  4. Choose No for Personalized Recommendations and/or Email Notifications and save.
  5. You will no longer receive email notifications for that specific reader.

 

Prizes

How do I enter a prize drawing?

Log into Beanstack and click on Summer Challenge. Click on “Ticket Drawings.” From here you can enter any virtual tickets you have earned into the prize drawing(s) of your choice.

What prizes can I win?

Thanks to our generous donors, partners, and Friends of the Library groups, FCPL offers an amazing list of prizes. All participants ages 0-18 who complete the challenge by reading for twenty days between June 1- August 15 will receive a brand-new book and a virtual ticket for each day read to enter in a Beanstack prize drawing. Participants over 18 who complete the challenge will receive a non-book prize and a virtual ticket for each day read to enter in a Beanstack prize drawing. There will be prize drawings on June 16, July 16, and our grand prize drawings will be on August 16.

Where do I pick up my prizes?

Prizes can be picked up in person or through curbside pickup at your local branch.

How will I know if I’ve won one of the drawing prizes?

Winners will be contacted by library staff within 5 days of the drawing date via the contact information provided at registration.

What is the last date for picking up prizes?

Prize drawings must be picked up within 30 days of notification. If the prize drawing is not picked up within 30 days, a new winner will be selected. See the official rules page for full details.

Log all activities by August 15. Ticketed prize drawings will take place on August 16. All prizes must be picked up by September 30, 2024.