Looking for a Reading Challenge? We’ve got you covered!

Now that the wildly successful Summer Reading Program is wrapped up, you may be wondering what else you can do to scratch your reading challenge itch. After all, Winter Reading doesn’t start until December. What is an intrepid reader to do?

Have no fear! We have you covered. The following reading challenges are currently in progress or will be starting soon.

1,001 Books Before Kindergarten: Designed to inspire parents to read to their children from birth and support them in their efforts, this innovative program creates a foundation for early literacy  and rewards parents and children for their extraordinary achievement of reading 1,001 books together before the child starts Kindergarten. Children receive a prize for every 100 books they finish, and upon completing the program will be invited to participate in our graduation ceremony! Track the books you read for the challenge using the Beanstack app (iOS/Google Play) or website. Those who prefer paper logs can register and ask for the pages at the Youth Services Desk. This program is only available to Algonquin Library cardholders.

Reading Patch Club: The Reading Patch Club is open to Algonquin cardholders and is for children in grades K-8, plus preschoolers who have finished the 1,001 Books Before Kindergarten program. Children can participate at two levels and earn different patches for each. The 2023-2024 school year Patch Club will run from September 5, 2023 to May 25th, 2024.

Illinois Readers Choice Award: Read books from the 2024 Monarch, Bluestem and Caudill Award lists to earn prizes! Monarch readers who read all 20 books from their list and Bluestem and Caudill readers who read 10 books from theirs earn a paperback book of their own to keep. Track the books you read for the challenge using the Beanstack app (iOS/Google Play) or website. Prefer paper? Register and pick up a log at the Youth Services Desk! This program is open to all children in grades K-8.

  • Monarch Club: Our youngest Illinois Readers Choice participants are invited to join us for Monarch Club! Hear two of the Monarch titles read aloud and then enjoy a hands-on activity. Monarch Club will meet monthly from September to February. Check our events calendar to register for the current meeting!