Thank you to everyone who participated in the library’s first-ever craft swap last Saturday! We received many wonderful donations of supplies of all kinds, from yarn and fabric to markers and beads and everything in between. Everyone who attended the swap appreciated the chance to give these items a new home and save them from the landfill while also saving money. Together, we helped hundreds of items find a new purpose.
This program was part of the library’s observance of “Makers Day,” an annual statewide celebration of making of all kinds at New Jersey libraries. We hope that the supplies you picked up during the swap will inspire you to make something new!
Today, March 20th, marks the first day of Spring! Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and new programs at the library! Start the season off right with some of our upcoming April programs!
Butterfly Count – All Ages – All Month Long – DeMott Lane
Families can work together to count all the butterflies in the Children’s Area at DeMott Lane… earning one FREE Children’s Book Sale coupon! One coupon per family in April 2025. Expires 5/5/2025.
Sit n’ Stitch – Adults – April 3 and April 23 – Franklin Park
Share your current projects with fellow crafters! Spend some time with other crafters and work on your current knitting, crocheting, or other needle craft project. This event will be held Thursday, April 3 from 6:30pm – 7:45pm and Wednesday, April 23 from 11:00am – 12:00pm at Franklin Park.
DIY: Cookie Decorating Class – Adults – April 9 – Demott Lane
Learn how to create beautifully decorated cookies with Emily, the owner of Emily’s Bake Shop. This event will be held Wednesday, April 9 from 11:00am – 12:00pm at Demott Lane. Registration is required and will open on March 26 at 10:15am.
DIY: Cardmaking Workshop – Adults – April 14 and April 16 – Franklin Park
Make your own handmade cards! Join Fran, a Stampin’ Up representative, for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn how to create beautiful handmade cards. This event will be held Monday, April 14 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm and Wednesday, April 16 from 11:00am – 12:00pm at Franklin Park. Please register for one class. Registration is required and can be found here for April 14 and here for April 16.
Carrot Patch Pudding Cups – Teens – April 17 – Franklin Park
Come prepared to make them and eat them! Open to students ages 12-17. Ingredients: Instant chocolate pudding mix, milk, pretzels, orange and green candy melts, store bought brownie bites, sprinkles. Attendees may be using library equipment. As with any equipment, there is a potential for harm and attendees participate at their own risk. This event will be held Thursday, April 17 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Franklin Park. Registration is required and can be found here.
Birdy Jerz: Birding in New Jersey – Adults – April 24 – Demott Lane
Learn from an experienced naturalist about great spots across New Jersey for birding, including what you can expect to find, and what makes a location a great area for bird activity. This multimedia presentation will get you excited to look in your neighborhood, local park or backyard for our state’s exceptional range of migratory and year-round birds. Lindsay will also draw on her experience supporting bird banding research to share insights into how concerned community members are using science to learn about, monitor, and protect birds. This event will be held Thursday, April 24 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Demott Lane. Registration is appreciated and can be found here.
Paint and Sip: Lavender Blooms – Adults – April 30 – Demott Lane
Adults are welcome to join us and paint a floral canvas and enjoy (non-alcoholic!) beverages. All supplies and drinks are provided, just bring your creativity! Presented by Jennifer Moy of Art Sink. This event will be held Wednesday, April 30 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at Demott Lane. Registration is required and will open on April 1 at 10:15 AM. This is a popular program that usually fills up quickly. If your plans chance, please let us know or cancel your registration as early as possible so that others who are interested may take your spot.
Thank you to everyone who came out for our Local Author Fair on November 9! Last Saturday, the library welcomed 20 local authors to display and sell their books in our Community Room. The afternoon event fostered community among the authors, who had the chance to meet each other. The event enjoyed steady foot traffic from members of the community who came to meet and shop from local writers. Thank you to the writers and attendees for making this a successful event, and one we hope to repeat next year!
Stop by the library and meet your community’s authors! From 1pm to 3:30pm on Saturday, 11/9/24, the DeMott Lane Branch is hosting a fair featuring over 20 local authors. Come browse, buy, and have authors sign copies of their books. Books for children, teens, and adults will be available. No registration is required to attend, but registration for participating authors has closed.
In anticipation of the fair, we reached out to the participating local authors and asked what inspires their writing, and how they overcome writer’s block!
FTPL: What inspires you to write?
Barbara Seidle: Life. Both my non-fiction and fiction writing come from my life. I want to spread a little laughter to others, especially those who are having a hard time. Find Barbara’s book here.
Kelly Turner: I wrote a children’s book about kindness and friendship. Since I am a preschool teacher I am around young learners daily. My students inspired me to write my book from their acts of kindness I witnessed daily. Find Kelly’s book here.
Claire Markette: Reading international articles in the New York Times about people enduring difficult times. Find Claire’s book here.
Barry M. Putt: I was initially inspired to become a writer after reading several stories in fifth grade. The characters and world were so vivid they prompted me to create a series of children’s stories. I submitted them to a publisher and was told that they did not publish stories written by children. I didn’t let that deter me and kept writing. Find Barry’s books here.
Julie C. Gilbert: Many things inspire me to write. It’s fun. It gives me a platform to share my thoughts and worldview. I get to entertain, education, and inspire others. As a high school chemistry teacher, I do get the chance to do those things, but it’s very different than what can be done through a story. Find Julie’s books here.
Ginni Conquest: My love for the 80’s genre of music and my love for singing. I’m able to tap into what those feelings were to perform in front of huge audiences and of course the rehearsals and recordings. I’m able to bring real life experiences to this series. Find Ginni’s books here.
Ginni Conquest: I don’t panic and just step away from what I was trying to do. I love playing with my two adorable Basset Hounds, Jameson and Grayson. I listen to music, 80’s rock of course, or go for a motorcycle ride with the hubby. The book comes to me like a play in my mind. If I don’t think that that scene can play out in real life, I stay away from it. But I know I’ll get back on track at some point and once I get back into it, I can finish up the book fairly quickly. Find Ginni’s books here.
Julie C. Gilbert: I switch gears. I don’t necessarily get writer’s block, but I do get redirected. Right now, school has been harder than in the past. I’ve also been more distracted on weekends because I’m helping out with my two very young nieces.
Since fiction isn’t flowing very well, I’ve stepped up my nonfiction, editing, and audiobook games. There is always plenty to do. For example, I’d consider reviewing raw files for my audiobook as writing work, but it is not writing. Making ads, doing social media things, etc … these are all writing-related stuff that needs to happen but they’re not actual writing. Find Julie’s books here.
Barry M. Putt: When I encounter a challenge in developing a component of a story, I move onto another section. The answer to the challenge always comes to me later. Find Barry’s books here.
Claire Markette: By re-reading and editing the previous chapter I wrote, or by taking a walk. Find Claire’s book here.
Kelly Turner: Take breaks in between writing. Get up, stretch, move around, or maybe even take a few days break to gather your thoughts and start writing again when you are ready. Find Kelly’s book here.
Barbara Seidle: I find that most times, I need to just do the work. Sitting down and writing something, anything, often can get me on the right path. However, spreading out my writing sessions and thinking about my work between times helps me make the most of my writing time. Find Barbara’s book here.
For questions about the Local Author Fair, please leave a comment below or call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3. We hope to see you there!
Stop by the library and meet your community’s authors! From 1pm to 3:30pm on Saturday, 11/9/24, the DeMott Lane Branch is hosting a fair featuring over 20 local authors. Come browse, buy, and have authors sign copies of their books. Books for children, teens, and adults will be available. No registration is required to attend, but registration for participating authors has closed.
In anticipation of the fair, we reached out to the participating local authors and asked if they had any advice is for aspiring writers!
Franklin Township Public Library: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Julie C. Gilbert: Finish your story. There’s a lot of other stuff like marketing, editing, and so on that needs to happen eventually, but generally, it’s a good idea to finish what you start. If you haven’t started, start! Try not to get wrapped up in details if it’s a passion project. But also evaluate your goals going in. Do you want to make money? If that’s the case, you should consider doing market research first. I don’t, but I also have a day job. That’s why it’ll help if you know what you want out of the work. Find Julie’s books here.
Ginni Conquest: Just do it. I have spoken to people that want to write a book but are afraid to say what they want to say. Don’t be afraid of it; just go for it. Find Ginni’s books here.
Barry M. Putt: Be open-minded and persistent. Those are the keys to success. Find Barry’s books here.
Victoire Batiste: It is important to make a start and then to keep honing your craft. Learn as much as you can about the process. Input from your target audience and fellow writers is also valuable. Find Victoire’s books here.
Claire Markette: Join a writing group to get feedback and constructive suggestions, and attend a writing conference. Above all, keep writing! Find Claire’s book here.
Kelly Turner: Don’t give up! Follow your dreams! YouTube videos from other authors helped me along the way! Find Kelly’s book here.
For questions about the Local Author Fair, please leave a comment below or call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3. We hope to see you there!
We have a full calendar of events planned at all library locations for this month, March 2024! Click here for our full calendar, which also includes young adult and children’s programs.
Special Events
AARP Tax Aide – February to April 2024.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aid program provides free in-person tax preparation to all county residents, but with an emphasis on older adults, residents with disabilities, and lower-income residents who need help preparing federal and New Jersey income tax returns. AARP membership is not required. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. Assistance is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (908) 541-5710.
Seafood Suppers: A Virtual Cooking Class – Thursday, 3/7 at 7pm via Zoom.
Light and fresh seafood dishes are perfect for weekday meals as they cook up quickly and deliciously. Discover a variety of satisfying preparations for seafood including salmon, shrimp, and more. Watch our instructor prepare recipes in her kitchen–from yours! Please click here to register.
Stories Told Through Sound: an Audio Drama Workshop – Thursday, 3/14 at 6pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
Dust off that story idea you’ve been wanting to develop and learn how to craft an engaging script that can become a fully realized production. In audio drama, everything is possible! Please click here to register.
Audio drama is the new frontier in storytelling that provides stage, screen, and fiction writers with a new audience for their work.
This workshop will cover:
• Story structure
• Character development
• Techniques to adapt your work
• Opportunity to begin writing an audio drama script
• Q&A and book signing
Bobbin Lacemaking – Saturday, 3/16 at 10:30am. DeMott Lane.
The Cranberry Lacemakers of Central New Jersey work to preserve centuries-old hand bobbin lacemaking and tatting techniques. This is a formal get-together for practitioners of the craft. Beginners are welcome to come and observe the basics of the craft. Members can share information about where to find additional resources about lacemaking for those who wish to learn more. No registration required.
Make Time for Mammography – Thursday, 3/21 at 10:30am via Zoom.
Join us for an engaging educational webinar to learn more about breast cancer and the importance of getting an annual mammogram. Presented by an educator from RWJ in partnership with the Franklin Township Women’s Club. Please click here to register.
New Recurring Events
Second Saturday Book Club: Wade in the Water by Nyani Nkrumah- Saturday, 3/9 at 11am. DeMott Lane Branch.
Join us for a meeting of the FTPL Second Saturday Book Club! Now held in-person at the DeMott Lane Branch. No registration required!
Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Group – Tuesday, 3/12 at 2pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Groups provide families and caregivers with the emotional support and education they need. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome.
Ageless Grace – Tuesday, 3/19 at 2pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Men and women are joining in the fun of this evidence-based seated exercise, using the cutting edge science of neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to change. Every class is different and uses imagination/creativity, memory/recall, kinesthetic learning, analytical thinking, and strategic planning. Please click here to register.
Monday Meditation @ Franklin Park Branch – Tuesday, 3/25 at 7pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Begin your meditation journey here. The benefits of a regular meditation practice are life-altering. The key is consistent practice.
Meditation will be instructor-led and begin with centering and light movement (mainly of the spine), pranayama (a breathing practice), and then a deeper dive into a meditation experience together. Various concepts will be introduced throughout different classes. There’s strong energy meditating in community. Let’s down-regulate our nervous systems together! Please click here to register.
Sit n’ Stitch @ Franklin Park – Wednesday, 3/27 at 11am. Franklin Park Branch.
Spend some time with other crafters and work on your current knitting, crocheting, or other needle craft project. No registration required!
Franklin Park Branch Book Club: Euphoria by Lily King- Thursday, 3/28 at 6:30pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Join us for a discussion of Euphoria by Lily King. A limited number of copies of Euphoria will be available for checkout at the Franklin Park Branch. No library card or registration are required to attend.
For any questions about upcoming library events, please call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3 or leave a comment below.
We have a full calendar of events planned at all library locations for this month, February 2024! Click here for our full calendar, which also includes young adult and children’s programs.
Special Events
AARP Tax Aide – February to April 2024.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aid program provides free in-person tax preparation to all county residents, but with an emphasis on older adults, residents with disabilities, and lower-income residents who need help preparing federal and New Jersey income tax returns. AARP membership is not required. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. Assistance is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (908) 541-5710.
What’s The Buzz? Backyard Beekeeping for Fun and Profit – Tuesday, 2/13 at 6pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
If you have ever thought about becoming a backyard beekeeper or if you are really curious about bees, then, this practical two-part presentation is for you. Michal Bendell, a local beekeeper, teaches everything you need to know about starting and maintaining your own beehive. You will learn about how to start beekeeping, in addition to the inner workings of the hive. If you attended his class before, this will be the next level geared for those looking to start beekeeping to those who have purchased bees this spring. We will go deeper into management practices and will review some of the latest treatment practices. This is a beginner to intermediate course. Please click here to register.
Booth, Lincoln, and the Shot That Changed America – Thursday, 2/15 at 7pm via Zoom.
In commemoration of the 215th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, join historian Greg Caggiano for a look at his life and political career, and how he became one of the most beloved (and controversial) presidents in American history. The program will also delve into the life and career of his assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and cover the chain of events and politics that led to Lincoln’s untimely demise at Ford’s Theater. Please click here to register.
Botanical Art 101: Floral Wreath Design – Friday, 2/23 at 2pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
Each participant will create their own floral wreath illustration, which can be framed and displayed as a piece of art for your home! Taylor will also explain how your original artwork can be scanned into the computer and used for card making or logo design.
Learn tips and techniques for illustrating different flowers and leaves. You’ll be guided through each step from creating a layout, sketching ideas, and finishing your artwork. All you need to bring is creative energy! Each participant will go home with their very own stunning drawing. This class is suitable for all flower and art lovers- or those just looking to try something new! Please click here to register.
Stroke Awareness and Prevention – Tuesday, 2/27 at 10:30am. DeMott Lane Branch.
An educator from RWJ Barnabas Health will share valuable information on stroke awareness and prevention, as well as answer questions. Please click here to register.
New Recurring Events
Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Group – Tuesday, 2/13 at 2pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Groups provide families and caregivers with the emotional support and education they need. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome.
Ageless Grace – Tuesday, 2/20 at 2pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Men and women are joining in the fun of this evidence-based seated exercise, using the cutting edge science of neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to change. Every class is different and uses imagination/creativity, memory/recall, kinesthetic learning, analytical thinking, and strategic planning. Please click here to register.
Second Saturday Book Club: The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin – Saturday, 2/10 at 11am. DeMott Lane Branch.
Join us for a meeting of the FTPL Second Saturday Book Club! Now held in-person at the DeMott Lane Branch. No registration required!
Guided Meditation @ Franklin Park Branch – Tuesday, 2/12 at 7pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Begin your meditation journey here. The benefits of a regular meditation practice are life-altering. The key is consistent practice.
Meditation will be instructor-led and begin with centering and light movement (mainly of the spine), pranayama (a breathing practice), and then a deeper dive into a meditation experience together. Various concepts will be introduced throughout different classes. There’s strong energy meditating in community. Let’s down-regulate our nervous systems together! Please click here to register.
Franklin Park Branch Book Club: Thank You Goodnight by Andy Abramowitz – Thursday, 2/22 at 6:30pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Join us for a discussion of Thank you, Goodnight by Andy Abramowitz. A limited number of copies of Thank you, Goodnight will be available for checkout at the Franklin Park Branch. No library card or registration are required to attend.
Sit n’ Stitch @ Franklin Park – Wednesday, 2/28 at 11am. Franklin Park Branch.
Spend some time with other crafters and work on your current knitting, crocheting, or other needle craft project. No registration required!
For any questions about upcoming library events, please call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3 or leave a comment below.
Are you looking for help using that new device you were given over the holidays? Do you need help using one of the many computer programs that are so important in the world today? Stop by the DeMott Lane branch for one of our free computer help classes! We currently have two types of classes available:
Megabyte Mondays
Megabyte Mondays are the library’s weekly computer and technology classes. Each week will feature a different topic. No registration is necessary!
Computer Basics – Monday, 1/8 at 10:30am. DeMott Lane Branch.
This is our most basic class for patrons wishing to become better acquainted with using a computer.
Bring your own laptop or device or borrow one of ours.
Internet Basics – Monday, 1/22 at 10:30am. DeMott Lane Branch.
This class will include a brief history and description of what the internet is and how to navigate it using a web browser. We will do some basic searching and learn what makes up a good website. You are expected to know how to use a mouse before taking this class.
Organizing File Folders With Windows 10 – Monday, 1/29 at 10:30am. DeMott Lane.
Have you been saving documents and information to your computer only to discover that you cannot locate them when you need them? Do you fear you will run out of space? Learn how to create folders on the computer to organize information, and how to copy, move, and delete files as needed.
As time permits, we will discuss what ‘The Cloud’ is and how it is used by programs like Dropbox and Google Drive, as well as the differences between cloud storage and local storage.
You must be able to use a mouse and be familiar with basic computer concepts such as opening, closing, and re-sizing windows as well as basic internet searching before taking this class.
Tech-Help @ DeMott Lane
Sign up for a one-on-one computer help session with one of our librarians! If you have any basic questions about your PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, we can provide detailed assistance. Please note that personal computer repair or virus/malware removal services ARE NOT available during these sessions.
To help make the session as useful as possible, please have a clear goal in mind. Examples include:
Setting up an email account (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.)
Using the internet
Using Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, or PowerPoint
Installing and using one of our reading apps
Downloading, storing, and/or moving photos from your phone to another device
Please call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3 to register.
For questions about any of our computer help programs, please leave a comment below or call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3.
We are kicking off the new year with a full calendar of events at all library locations! Click here for our full calendar of events, which also includes young adult and children’s programs.
Special Events
Cacti and Succulents 101 – Thursday, 1/11 at 6pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
Learn about these ever-popular, desert-loving plants at this informational presentation. Taylor Brosseau will teach you what you need to know about introducing succulents and cacti into your home, including how to care for them and which ones might best suit pet owners. Please click here to register.
Cooking With Citrus: A Virtual Cooking Class – Wednesday, 1/17 at 7pm via Zoom.
Brighten your cooking with a tip-filled cooking demonstration based around the fresh flavors of citrus. Learn how to incorporate lemon, orange, grapefruit, and more in main dishes, drinks, desserts. We will explore all that citrus offers for satisfying home cooking. Please click here to register.
Vanessa Young is a cooking instructor, recipe developer and writer dedicated to helping home cooks reignite their passion for cooking. From butchers to bakers, her family is a long line of self-taught and professional chefs. She melds their influences in her artful approach to food and wellness topics and her focus on seasonal meals. As the founder of Thirsty Radish, she shares recipes and inspires a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen.
Franklin Park Branch Book Club – Thursday, 1/25 at 6:30pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Join us for the first meeting of the Franklin Park Branch Book Club! No registration required!
The Franklin Park Branch Book Club is meeting for the very first time! Our selection for the club’s first meeting will be Shiner by local author, Amy Jo Burns. Amy will be joining us as our special guest. In addition to answering your questions about Shiner, Amy will introduce her new book, Mercury: A Novel, which is coming out in January 2024. Copies of Amy’s new book will be available for purchase at the meeting for $20, cash only.
Botanical Art 101: Specimen Drawing with Taylor – Friday, 1/26 at 11am. Franklin Park Branch.
Want to create botanical drawings that pop off your paper and appear life like? Join Taylor Brosseau as she instructs the class step by step, learning how to draw botanical specimens. Capture rich petals, stunning floral patterns, intricate natural curves, and organic colors. During this class, participants will focus on the orchid plant as our specimen of interest. Please click here to register.
The steps learned in this class can be applied to any flower of choice. If time allows, we will practice outlining additional specimens.
The class will include all the tools and materials you’ll need to start your artistic journey. If desired, participants are welcome to bring their own sketch books or special supplies/tools.
This class is suitable for all flower and art lovers, no artistic experience necessary.
Adult DIY: Card Making Class – Wednesday, 1/31 at 11am. Franklin Park Branch.
This class will be repeated on Monday, Feb. 5 at 7pm. Both dates are the same class; please only register for one class to allow more space for others.
New Recurring Events
Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Group – Tuesday, 1/9 at 2pm. DeMott Lane Branch.
Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Groups provide families and caregivers with the emotional support and education they need. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome.
Ageless Grace – Tuesday, 1/16 at 2pm. Franklin Park Branch.
Men and women are joining in the fun of this evidence-based seated exercise, using the cutting edge science of neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to change. Every class is different and uses imagination/creativity, memory/recall, kinesthetic learning, analytical thinking, and strategic planning. Please click here to register.
Second Saturday Book Club: The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman – Saturday, 1/20 at 11am. DeMott Lane Branch.
Join us for a meeting of the FTPL Second Saturday Book Club! Now held in-person at the DeMott Lane Branch. No registration required!
Sit n’ Stitch @ Franklin Park – Wednesday, 1/24 at 11am. Franklin Park Branch.
Spend some time with other crafters and work on your current knitting, crocheting, or other needle craft project. No registration required!
For any questions about upcoming library events, please call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3 or leave a comment below.
Our Winter Reading Challenge for 2024 begins today, 12/18/23! Until Monday, 2/12/24, participants can log their minutes spent reading for a chance to win great prizes! The prizes differ between age groups, so please see the information below before signing up. Click here to register.
Adult Winter Reading
The Adult Reading Challenge is open to all active cardholders ages 18+. Participants can earn entries into a prize drawing of their choice of either a $10 gift card to Amazon, a $10 gift card to Dunkin’, or a Library Book Tote & Book Sale Voucher valued at $10! To earn drawing entries, log reading, submit book reviews, or complete optional activities. All prize winners will be notified the week of February 12th. The last day to pick up prizes will be March 12, 2024.
All reading must be logged as minutes read. If you prefer counting pages, please use the formula 1 page read = 1 minute.
For all participants, activity codes will be issued after completing fun and easy activities such as attending a library program.
Participants who prefer using paper logs can find these in the library. Use them to log reading and activity codes. Blank book review slips are available at the Adult Services desk where all completed tasks should be returned for entry into a prize drawing.
Online participants can choose to record completed tasks themselves using either the Beanstack Tracker app or the link found on the library’s website. If you need help using the Beanstack app, type this link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/m2ctnmay.
Teen Winter Reading
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to join our Winter Teen Reading Challenge! Log the time you read to earn badges and rewards. Challenge runs from December 18, 2023 – February 12, 2024.
Read for your chance to win one of the grand prizes – 2 $50 Amazon gift cards!
It’s easy! Just keep track of time spent reading or listening to audiobooks. Read anything you want! Log your reading time on Beanstack. All reading time counts towards your chance to win one of the grand prizes! Beanstack takes care of this for you.
As you log reading time, you will also earn raffle tickets. The more you read, the more raffle tickets you will earn to put towards these great prizes!
We also have 4 great raffle prizes you could win!
$20 Dunkin’ gift card $20 Target gift card $20 Starbucks gift card A clear stadium backpack filled with free YA books
Click on “Tickets” after you log reading time to choose which raffle prizes you want to try to win.
To get you started on your reading, teen participants get 1 free book for registering for the Winter Reading Challenge! Ask to see the selection of YA reward books at the Adult Reference Desk at DeMott Lane or at the Service Desks at the Franklin Park or Lewis Street branches.
We will pick the names of all the prize winners shortly after the Challenge ends on February 12, 2024.
Grand prize and raffle winners will be notified via email. Last day to pick up prizes will be March 12, 2024.
Children’s Winter Reading
The Children’s Reading Challenge is open to all children ages newborn-12 years. Participants receive a paper reading log at their local branch when registering for the challenge. Simply record the days that they read by coloring in a snowball to make a Book Blizzard! It’s easy! Just keep track of time spent reading or listening to audiobooks. Read anything you want! Every 7 days of reading, bring your paper log to your local branch library (DeMott Lane branch, Franklin Park branch or Lewis Street branch) to receive a prize from our Treasure Chest!
Optionally, children may log into Beanstack to complete fun activities to earn digital badges of Benny the Bean (our Beanstack mascot)! The Challenge begins on Monday December 18, 2023 and ends on Monday February 12, 2024. The last day to pick up prizes will be March 12, 2024.
Participants who choose to do the fun activities on Beanstack can use the Beanstack Tracker app or the Beanstack link found on the library’s website at www.franklintwp.org. If you need help using the Beanstack app, type this link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/m2ctnmay.
For questions about our Winter Reading Challenge, please leave a comment below or call the reference desk at 732-873-8700 opt. 3.
