COUNTY News:

For summer 2020, the Los Alamos County Library System is going digital, debuting Beanstack, which is software to help patrons log reading and track activity challenges.

Library summer reading and activities fun for all ages runs June 29-Aug. 24. The summer reading theme is Have Book, Will Travel and the library has three separate journeys, one each for kids, teens, and adults.

Using Beanstack, patrons can post book reviews, see book lists, mark their reading progress, and be notified of drawings or prizes they have won.

In addition to earning beads for reading, kids earn digital badges and specialty beads as they progress through challenges to get a free book. Teens post book reviews to be entered in prize drawings. Teen prizes include snacks, Bluetooth speakers, and more.

Adults are welcome to do the challenge by logging their reading and participating in the activities to be entered in drawings for prizes including Bluetooth earbuds, several Kindles, and local business gift cards.

Beanstack can help patrons track the titles they’ve read all year around, not just in summer.

Library staff hope to use it do more reading and programming challenges for all ages.

Download the Beanstack Tracker for Android or IPhone.

Mark your calendars for online registration beginning at 10 a.m., June 29 when the new Beanstack site for Mesa Public Library and White Rock Branch Library is live.

Challenges start July 6. Most will be open through Aug. 24; some prize drawings will close Aug. 21.