Branch Out

CONTACT INFORMATION: Marketing and Communications Office: 8:30–4:30 M–F
703-324-3100 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 324
Fairfax, VA 22035
Ashley Atkinson
Editor, Branch Out

Department Resources

Related Resources

Grow Your Reading Habit With Beanstack

Make this time investment fun with engaging tracking and social tools.


By Laurel Tacoma, Thomas Jefferson Library Branch Manager


Summer Reading Adventure, Read Away Your Fines, and Winter Reading ChallengeWhat Is Beanstack? 

FCPL uses the Beanstack online tool to present and track its reading challenges. On one level, Beanstack allows you to participate in reading events at the library, like the Summer Reading Adventure (happening now!), Winter Reading Challenge, Read Away Your Fines, and more.

On another level, Beanstack is the perfect way to keep you and your family on track with your personal reading goals. Perhaps you made a New Year’s resolution to read a certain number of books, you decided to try an online book challenge to expand your reading horizons, or you are encouraging your children to read more. Sticking to resolutions, challenges and goals can be hard; “gamification,” or the application of the elements of game-playing to other tasks, can help. 

How Does It Work?

With Beanstack, badges, points, prizes and community engagement help motivate you to grow your reading habits in a positive and fun way. To start enjoying the benefits, create a free account with FCPL's Beanstack. Readers of all ages can register in seconds as individuals or as a family. 

Then start logging your books or hours read to earn badges and awards. You can also review the titles you have logged and connect with friends for a more social experience. Beanstack allows you to compete for top leaderboard spots and share what you’re reading with the online community — an added incentive to stay on target with your goals. 

Small Investments, Big Payoffs

According to a 2009 study at the University of Sussex cited by the World Literacy Foundation, reading for just six minutes can lower stress levels by 68%. And National Literacy Trust research indicates that reading for pleasure increases: general knowledge; empathy and a better understanding of other cultures; community participation; and insight into human nature and decision-making. Findings of recent studies by the Yale University School of Public Health even suggest the benefits of reading include a longer life!

Participating in reading challenges and prioritizing your reading growth can lead to huge benefits. Why not win a few badges along the way?

Get started by joining in the 2021 Summer Reading Adventure taking place June 11-Aug. 13. Prefer to record your summer reading hours on paper? Use this printable reading log and bring it into a branch when you earn your badges!

Fairfax Virtual Assistant