Reading Programs

A girl and a boy playing with the instruments provided within the library gardens

PCPLS believes reading is FUNdamental for everyone, and offers FREE reading programs designed to encourage and foster a love of reading.

Winter Flurries Reading Challenge

Dec 5-Jan 10,   All Ages

This winter, flurry on into the library to join our Winter Reading Challenge! Complete the reading challenge, and be entered to win “cool” prizes. Use our Beanstack app or pick up a paper log at any branch to track your reading activities during that time.

Summer Reading Challenge

June 1-July 31,   All Ages

The library is the place to be for summer fun, and readers of all ages are encouraged to join the Summer Reading Challenge! The more you participate, the more tickets you earn toward grand prizes. Use our Beanstack app or pick up a paper log at any branch to track your reading activities during that time.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Ongoing,   Ages 0-5

Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Reading together helps children develop important pre-literacy skills that provide a solid foundation for academic success. Any child ages birth to five years can participate. Register using the Beanstack app, and stop by any PCPLS branch to pick up your prize.

What is Beanstack?

Join PCPLS on Beanstack for reading adventures such as the Summer Reading Challenge and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. The Beanstack app is an easy way to track your reading progress and earn badges for hitting exciting milestones. Download the app today or register online to participate.

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Valparaiso Branch" group.

Storytime: Book Babies

9:30am - 10:00am
Valparaiso Branch
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Valparaiso Branch
Room: Youth Services Room
Age Group: Littles (0-5)
Program Type: Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Join us for simple stories, songs and playtime! Ages birth-2 years. Please register for only one time slot as both sessions are the same. 

This event is in the "Portage Branch" group.

Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
Portage Branch
Library Branch: Portage Branch
Room: Youth Services Room
Age Group: Littles (0-5)
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

An interactive Storytime for ages 2-5. Songs, rhymes, games, crafts and so much more! No registration required, just drop in. Families welcome!

This event is in the "Kouts Branch" group.

Storytime

10:00am - 10:45am
Kouts Branch
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Kouts Branch
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Littles (0-5)
Program Type: Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 24
Event Details:

Join us for Falling Into the Holidays storytime! This fun program is geared to Preschoolers (2-5). We will read stories, sing songs, create a craft and do other fun activities related to the theme. Registration is required  

This event is in the "Hebron Branch" group.

Storytime: Book Babies

10:00am - 10:45am
Hebron Branch
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Hebron Branch
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Littles (0-5)
Program Type: Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:

Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and a social/playtime to follow, for children ages 0-2yrs and their caregivers. Registration is required. 

This event is in the "Valparaiso Branch" group.

Storytime: Book Babies

11:00am - 11:30am
Valparaiso Branch
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Valparaiso Branch
Room: Youth Services Room
Age Group: Littles (0-5)
Program Type: Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Join us for simple stories, songs and playtime! Ages birth-2 years. Please register for only one time slot as both sessions are the same. 

This event is in the "Kouts Branch" group.

Book Club: Read Between the Lines

3:30pm - 4:30pm
Kouts Branch
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Kouts Branch
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

Join our book club for grades 3rd thru 5th! This month’s book is “Odder” by Katherine Applegate. Explore the adventures of a spirited sea otter as she navigates challenges and finds her place in the world.