Join this free program which encourages your child to read 500 books before they begin middle school! Reading provides a good foundation for continued academic success, and reading every day can help encourage children to enjoy this important task.

Please note that the child and/or their parent/guardian must have a Hunterdon County Library card in good standing in order to participate in this program.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Hunterdon County Library. 

How it works

Any child in kindergarten through sixth grade who is a member of the Hunterdon County Library, or whose parent/caregiver is a member of the Hunterdon County Library, is eligible for this program. 

You can track the books that your child reads through Beanstack. Create an account or log in to your existing account. Add a profile for your child who will be participating, then select their grade in the appropriate dropdown box. They will then be able to view and register for the 500 Books Before Middle School Challenge. Track the number of books that your child reads through Beanstack's mobile app or their website, and pick up any earned rewards at the Youth Services desk at the Headquarters Library in Flemington or the North County Branch Library in Clinton.

How will my child reach 500 books?

500 books can seem like a daunting number, but reading just two books per week equals 104 books per year. Reading at this pace will allow your child to reach their goal in under 5 years. Since this program is self-paced, reading more books per week means that your child can reach their goal even more quickly!

Any book counts, as long as your child reads the book independently or with someone else! Library books, books from home or school, and audiobooks all count towards your child's goal.

Milestone Rewards

You can pick up any earned rewards at the Youth Services desk at the Headquarters Library in Flemington or the North County Branch Library in Clinton.

100 and 200 books: Choice of a small prize

250 books: Book to keep

300 and 400 books: Choice of a small prize

500 books: Book to keep