Christmas Closure

We will be closed on Tue, Dec 24, and Wed, Dec 25 for Christmas. We'll reopen at 9am on Thu, Dec 26.

Reading Programs

Reading Programs

Reading Fun for All Ages

No matter your age, we’ve got a reading program for you! Find out more about our year-round and seasonal reading programs below.

Anyone with a Helen Plum Library card or who is a student in a Lombard school is eligible to sign up.

Current Reading Programs

Adult Winter Reading Bingo Challenge

Sun, Dec 1, 2024–Sat, Feb 1, 2025

This is an online-only challenge for adult readers

Participants must sign up using Beanstack by visiting helenplum.beanstack.org

Curl up with some books this winter and complete reading activities for a chance to win a prize! Play our bookish Bingo to earn raffle tickets. Each reader has the potential to earn up to seven raffle tickets.

Each Bingo space has a different topic to guide your reading - from books with blue covers to books made into movies, there are 25 different themes for you to choose from so you won't run out of options. And as librarians, of course we have recommendations to get you started!

You can also print a Bingo card below to complete at home - but note that drawing tickets can only be entered online.

Ongoing Reading Programs

Seedlings: ages birth-2 years

Bookworms: ages 3-5

Register at the Youth Services Desk or on Beanstack

The best way to grow a reader is more than just reading! We’ve designed these two challenges to support your family by tracking the number of books you read, completing fun activities, and celebrating along the way!

Made possible in part by the Helen Plum Library Foundation.

School Year Reading Program

Sign up and earn free paperback books and other prizes from Tue, Sep 3-Wed, Apr 30! This is an independent, self-paced program. We provide the book log–you use it to track your reading progress or track online with Beanstack!

Want to keep reading?

Each additional bonus log will earn an entry into a drawing for a chance to win a $25 Target gift card.

Track Your Reading Online

We are excited to offer Beanstack, a reading log app. Track your reading program progress online and earn virtual badges to redeem for prizes. Get started by grabbing your library card and clicking the Beanstack button below.

Perks of Using Beanstack

  • Never worry about losing a paper log!
  • Parents can create a family account, where each reader participates in the program for their age group.
  • Access your account on the go using the Beanstack Tracker app.

Getting Started

Download on Appstore

Download on Google Play

Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Sign on your Beanstack account with your username and password. This will be the same account you used for any previous reading programs. To reset your password, click here.

Still having trouble signing in? Email us!
Families, Children and Teens: youthservices@helenplum.org
Adults: askalibrarian@helenplum.org

All of the programs a reader is eligible for will appear on your welcome screen. Click “Register for this Challenge” and start reading! Be sure to do this for all the readers on your account.

• On the Beanstack website: Readers in your account will appear in a drop-down box on the upper left-hand corner of your screen.
• On the Beanstack Tracker app: Select the icon in the upper right-hand corner. From there, select Readers.