Beanstack is a digital platform that helps readers track their books, participate in reading challenges, and earn rewards through their local libraries or schools. It replaces traditional paper logs with a convenient mobile app and website, making it easier for families and individuals to stay motivated with their reading goals. Whether you are participating in a summer reading program or a year-long challenge, this guide will help you navigate the platform effectively.
How to Find Your Library or School
The first step in using the platform is connecting with your specific library or school. Since each organization has its own unique portal, you must locate the correct one to see the challenges available to you.
Open the app or website and use the search function to enter the name of your library, school, or school district. If you are having trouble finding it, try searching by your city or zip code. Many public libraries also provide a direct link to their portal on their official website under the “Programs” or “Summer Reading” sections.
Creating and Setting Up Your Account
Once you have located your organization, you will need to create an account. You can register as an individual or as a family. Registering as a family is often the best choice for parents, as it allows one adult to manage multiple children’s logs under a single login.
Registering as an Individual
If you are tracking reading for yourself, select the option to register as an individual. You will typically need to provide your name, a username, and a password. Some libraries may also ask for your library card number to verify your membership and qualify you for specific prizes.
Setting Up a Family Account
For families, the primary account holder will enter their information first. After the main account is created, you can add “readers” for each family member. You will enter the age and grade level for each child, which ensures they are matched with age-appropriate reading challenges.
How to Log Your Reading
Logging is the core feature of the platform. Depending on the specific challenge your library has set up, you might log by minutes read, pages completed, or the number of books finished.
- Logging Minutes: This is the most common method for summer reading programs. You simply enter the number of minutes spent reading.
- Logging Books: You can search for a book by title or author to add it to your log. This creates a digital bookshelf of everything you have read.
- Using the Timer: The mobile app includes a built-in timer. You can start the timer when you begin reading and stop it when you are finished, and the app will automatically log those minutes for you.
Using the Barcode Scanner
One of the most convenient features of the mobile app is the barcode scanner. Instead of typing in book titles, you can use your phone’s camera to scan the ISBN barcode on the back of any book. This quickly identifies the book and adds it to your current reading list.
Joining and Completing Challenges
Logging your reading is often tied to specific challenges. Challenges are time-bound events, such as “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” or a “Winter Reading Bingo.”
When you log into your dashboard, you will see a list of available challenges. You may need to click “Join Challenge” to officially participate. As you log your reading, you will automatically progress toward the goals of that challenge. Many challenges are broken down into milestones, where reaching a certain number of minutes or books earns you a digital badge.
Understanding Digital Badges and Rewards
Digital badges are a way to gamify the reading experience. As you hit specific milestones, you will “unlock” these badges on your profile. Some badges are strictly for fun and motivation, while others may be tied to real-world prizes.
If a badge earns you a prize, such as a free book or a gift card, you will usually receive a notification or a digital coupon. You can then visit your local library to claim your reward. Always check the “Rewards” tab in your account to see what you have earned and how to redeem those items.
Managing Multiple Readers
If you are managing a family account, switching between readers is simple. On the mobile app, there is usually a profile icon in the top corner that allows you to toggle between family members. This ensures that when you log a bedtime story, the credit goes to the correct child’s profile.
You can also log the same book for multiple readers at once. This is perfect for families who read together. When you go to log a book or minutes, you can check the boxes next to each family member who was present for the reading session.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues while using the platform, there are a few common solutions to try. Most problems are related to finding the correct organization or login credentials.
- Cannot Find Library: Ensure you are using the full, official name of the library. If it is a branch, try searching for the larger county system name instead.
- Forgotten Password: Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. An email will be sent to the address on file with instructions to reset it.
- App Syncing Issues: If your logs are not appearing on the website, ensure your mobile app is updated to the latest version and that you have a stable internet connection.
Conclusion
Using a digital reading log is an excellent way to stay organized and motivated. By following these steps, you can easily track your progress, participate in community challenges, and earn rewards for your hard work. The platform makes it simple to turn reading into a fun, interactive habit for readers of all ages. To get the most out of your experience, remember to check your local library’s dashboard frequently for new challenges and upcoming events that can help you reach your next reading milestone.