Books, badges, and Big Goals: Why Reading Challenges Work

Reading to children is incredibly important for their development. Hearing words through stories helps children learn new vocabulary and sentence structures which gives them a strong foundation for communication and reading on their own later. Early reading stimulates brain growth and supports cognitive development, especially in areas related to language, attention, and memory. Reading to children helps them learn how to sit still, focus, and follow along, which are skills they will need for success in a classroom setting. Books open up new worlds, encouraging children to think creatively, ask questions, and explore new ideas. Reading together creates special moments that foster emotional security and closeness. Children who feel safe and loved are more open to learning. Introducing books at a young age makes reading feel fun and enjoyable and not like a chore. This helps build a lifelong habit of learning and curiosity. Children who are read to regularly are more likely to enter kindergarten with the literacy skills they need, like recognizing letters, understanding stories, and knowing how books work. To help promote reading and encourage children to read, Central Mississippi Library System uses the Beanstack app to help make reading fun and rewarding.

Beanstack is an online reading tool where you can track your reading, join challenges, earn online badges, and make reading a habit. Beanstack is used to encourage reading by providing a platform for logging reading time, books, and activities, and participating in reading challenges. It also allows users to track their progress, set goals, and compete with others, promoting a fun and engaging reading experience. Beanstack is used in various library programs, including summer reading programs, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, 500 Books Before Middle School, 100 Books Before Graduation, and several other seasonal challenge.

If you do not have Beanstack yet, you can go to your app store and download the app or scan this code. 

The goal is to read 1,000 books to your little one before he or she begins kindergarten. That may sound like a difficult task, but you may read any book and read it multiple times! Just one book a day is 365 books in a year. Keep it fun and enjoyable. Bring out the actor in yourself and change your voice, make sounds, and laugh. Read books that interest your child. When your child is older let them choose their books. Library staff can help you find books that interest you both. Children like to hear the same story again and again. They enjoy the repetition and may begin to finish the story as they understand the way the stories are organized. Always carry a book with you whenever you go to keep your child occupied. Library staff can show you how children's eBooks can be downloaded to your mobile device. Your library can print for free a list of the books you have read together and a completion certificate for your records. Each time your child reads 100 books they can stop by the library and have their photo taken with a sign signifying reaching each 100 books milestone. 

 

The more children read, the more fluent and confident they become in their reading skills. Reading 500 books develops vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and overall language proficiency and essential tools for middle school and beyond. Students who read regularly tend to perform better in all subjects, not just English. Reading enhances concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and is important for mastering middle school curriculum. Books expose children to different cultures, perspectives, and emotions. This helps them understand others better and build empathy, compassion, and resilience. Reading longer books over time trains children to focus, stick with a task, and think deeply, which are skills they will need as school becomes more demanding. When reading is fun and engaging, kids grow up seeing books as a source of enjoyment and personal growth and not just a school task. This love of reading supports lifelong learning. Having read hundreds of books gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride. It helps them enter middle school feeling prepared and self-assured. Every book is a step toward building a reader who's ready to thrive in middle school and beyond. Programs like Beanstack or "500 Books Before Middle School" makes reading fun, goal-driven, and rewarding.

Reading 100 books before graduation is more than just a number, it is a meaningful goal that can transform a student's educational journey and personal growth. Reading regularly improves the ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex information that is essential skills for success in high school, college, and life beyond. Books expose students to diverse language, styles, and ideas. A stronger vocabulary and better writing skills give students an edge in essays, applications, interviews, and professional setting. Studies show that students who read frequently perform better across all subjects, including math and science. Reading helps develop focus, memory, and deeper understanding. Books allow readers to step into other people's shoes, understand different cultures, and explore complex emotions. This emotional intelligence is crucial for personal and social growth. Reading 100 books creates a habit of curiosity and independent learning. It sets the foundation for a life of continued education, exploration, and self-improvement. College-level reading requires stamina, discipline, and comprehension skills. Students who have read widely are more prepared for the volume and complexity of college texts and workplace communication. Reaching a 100 book goal builds pride and motivation. It shows students that they can set big goals and achieve them and that is something they can carry with them into the future. Reading 100 books helps students graduate not only with a diploma but also with the tools they need to succeed in life. Every book is a step forward. 

If you would like to register for one of these challenges, you can go to cmrls.beanstack.org or scan the QR code.

 

 

Color Our World: 2025 Summer Library Programs

Color Our World: Dive into 

CMRLS’s 2025 Summer Reading Program!

This summer, the Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) invites you to Color Our World with imagination, stories, and creativity! Throughout June, libraries across Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties are bursting with vibrant programs, art-filled adventures, and reading challenges designed to brighten your summer.

How to Get Started

Whether you’re a young reader, teen, or adult, there’s a reading challenge just for you!

Sign up on cmrls.beanstack.org.

Track your books, earn badges, and complete colorful challenges for a chance to win prizes—including a $25 gift card for lucky participants! The more you read, the more chances you get to win prizes!

Bright Events to Spark Your Summer

Each branch is offering unique, theme-inspired events that will fill your calendar with color, creativity, and fun. Here are just a few highlights:

Freedom Ranch

Dorian the Magician

Move to Learn

Museum of Natural Science

The Dinosaur Experience

Stay Connected

Don’t miss the full rainbow of events—each library has a unique calendar!

• Explore all upcoming programs: https://cmrls.trumba.com/
• Follow CMRLS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for real-time updates.

Find Your Library, Color Your World

With 20 library branches across central Mississippi, there's a colorful experience waiting near you. Find your local library at cmrls.lib.ms.us and let the summer adventures begin!

Let’s make this summer the brightest one yet—grab your library card, your favorite book, and help us Color Our World!

Meet Our Team - Nancy Claypool (Pearl Public Library)

 

Nancy Claypool | Branch Manager

Pearl Public Library

Nancy recently joined the CMRLS team, and we are so happy to have her at our Pearl branch!  

Here's more from Nancy:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

My favorite part of working in the library is helping patrons through desk work and programming. I love seeing directly how the library enriches the lives of others.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

I fell in love with the Harry Potter series when I was little and it opened a whole new world for me. I felt more confident to read larger books. Before I dared read bigger books, I really enjoyed the Magic Tree House series and the Boxcar Children series.

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

I wish more people knew about hoopla. Hoopla provides accessibility features and connects patrons with materials even if they aren't physically able to visit us at the branch. This digital resource has ebooks, audiobooks, and even movies available for checkout for FREE with your library card! Find out more at https://www.hoopladigital.com/. All you need is your library card!

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

I love to read, paint, write poetry, play Webkinz, and try out lots of good food when I am not at the library. I also watch TV sometimes, especially when I get hooked on a new show. Currently, I am watching the Last of Us.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of a perfect vacation is a trip to the beach--any beach. I adore swimming, building sand castles, and getting some sun.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween, because I think dressing up is really fun.

Meet Our Team - Lilly Perkins (Pearl Public Library)

 

Lilly Perkins | Reference Clerk

Pearl Public Library

Lilly joined the CMRLS team in April, and we are so happy to have her at our Pearl branch!  

Here's more from Lilly:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

Always being able to learn more every day. I'm a lifelong learner.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

There's this one author that I read when I was in high school, Cassandra Clare. I just loved the way she styled her books by tone, speaking styles, and word choice. The Infernal Devices series are my favorite. I can't just pick one!

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

It's so hard to choose one. All of our online training materials are so great! Check them out at at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/. All you need is your library card!

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

I love to read, paint, write poetry, play Webkinz, and try out lots of good food when I am not at the library. I also watch TV sometimes, especially when I get hooked on a new show. Currently, I am watching the Last of Us.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of a perfect vacation is a trip to the beach--any beach. I adore swimming, building sand castles, and getting some sun.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween, because I think dressing up is really fun.

Meet Our Team - Amelia Hayes (Morton Public Library)

 

Amelia Hayes | Circulation Clerk

Morton Public Library

Amelia joined the CMRLS team in May, and we are so happy to have her at our Morton  branch!  

Here's more from Amelia:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

My favorite part about working in the library is shelving books! I love being among books in general, but shelving gives me the opportunity to see the new books we have gotten in and maybe find a new book to put in my to-read list!

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

There was actually a series of books that really got me into reading, and that was the Royal Diaries series. I loved princesses as a little girl (and still do!), so reading about real life princesses and queens pushed me to the library a lot as a kid and drove me to read more about history and different cultures.

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

Comics Plus! Comics Plus is a great way to get access to all of your favorite comics, manga and graphic novels. There's thousands of series and standalones to choose from, and there are no holds or wait limits, so you can instantly enjoy! Check them out at at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/. All you need is your library card!

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

I really enjoy reading books, listening to music, writing my own stories, and hanging out with my family.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of the perfect vacation would be to travel to Paris and see the sights! There's so much history and culture there to take in and enjoy, so if I could, I would love to spend a month there!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas!

Welcome to Preschool Playground/ CMRLS Kids

In Preschool Playground, you will find story times, songs, crafts, and book recommendations for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program. In addition, the Preschool Playground posts Acorns Story Room, an interactive Story Time for Preschool children. It posts weekly on Mondays at 9 a.m. To get access to this interactive Story Time follow this link, https://cmrlspreschoolplayground.blogspot.com/. You will have access to a craft idea to go along with the story. 

Be sure and download the Beanstack app so you can enter the books read to your child. If you have any questions, call your local library and we will be glad to help with any issues.

CMRLS Kids is an informative site for school-age children in the CMRLS area. We have homework links and links to Fun Kids safe sites. You can learn more about these sites and much more at your local library. You can also write a book review or tell us what you thought about our programs, as well. The Kids Blog posts Acorns Story Room for K-4th grade posts weekly on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. It includes stories (a few chapters of a small chapter book), songs, and a craft. 

To get access to CMRLS Kids go to https://cmrlskids.blogspot.com/. Be sure and download your Beanstack app and enter the books read to 500 Books Before Middle School. 

School will be out soon and this is a great way to keep your children reading. It would be great fun for a rainy day or a picnic at your local park. Enjoy your summer and don't forget to visit your local library.

CMRLS Email Reference Form

 CMRLS Email Reference Form

So, you have a question…a reference question…and nobody is available to help. The internet cannot provide a clear answer. The A.I. program is no help at all. What can you do? You reach for the phone to contact the local public library, but then you notice that it’s 2 a.m. The library is closed.

 It is unfortunate, but even librarians have to sleep.

The information for your research project is time sensitive. What can you do? You can wait for the library to open on Monday or you can complete the CMRLS Email Reference Form and forward your request while the question is still fresh on your mind.

One way to kick start the process is to go to the CMRLS Email Reference Form located on the CMRLS website at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/. 

Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to go on the website and scroll down to the bottom of the webpage to find the hyperlink to the CMRLS Email Reference Form.

Look for:

Need help with a reference question? Ask a librarian using this Email Reference Form.

Click on the link. Read the instructions.

Use this form to submit questions that can be answered with brief, factual answers. Staff will answer email question Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Friday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Questions emailed during regular business hours will be answered within 24 hours. Questions emailed on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday will be answered on the next regular business day.

Keep in mind that:

Questions requiring complex and specialized research, such as genealogy questions, can not be answered by email.

Come Monday morning while you're having your morning coffee or cappuccino, soon after the library opens, your reference inquiry will be reviewed, processed and truncated. A response will be returned to you in an expedited manner.

Sample reference questions at the Flowood Library can include almost every subject. It takes a lot to surprise us. Still, maybe we can help.

If you’re getting married and want to understand the opposite gender or what is involved in the planning ceremony, we can refer you to the appropriate literature.

If you want to research the current status of the development of cold fusion, nanobot technology or how to get on the wait list for the mission to Mars, we can provide an update.

If you need to know about a practical means to time travel back to 1985, I know a good movie.

At the Central Mississippi Regional Library System we strive to make our services available during and after working hours. We do this through our CMRLS website.

If you have a reference question and the internet cannot help, and the library is closed, then the CMRLS Email Reference Form may assist you in truncating your inquiry (quickly finding the answer).

Money Smart Week

 Money Smart Week (April 15-21):  Spend and Save Smarter, Not Harder

By Amy Lee, Branch Manager- Brandon Public Library

Money Smart Week is held every April. However, if it were up to me, I would deem it to be Money Smart Week every week (or month)! I think this is a topic that anyone in the community, of any age, can greatly benefit from. Prices for essentials are sky-high, causing many people to “scrimp and save,” often struggling in the process in today’s economy. The solution? Visit your local library, where we’ve got the best resources to help you become smarter about managing your money and getting the best out of your bank AND budget.

Money Smart Week started out as a special partnership, originating in Chicago between the ALA and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, originally designed to help educate the community, as well as provide free financial assistance (librarieslearn.org, n.d.). The public responded in such a positive way that many other communities adapted their own version of this program. Therefore, it did not take long until Money Smart Week became a national event, benefitting not only financial institutions, but libraries as well. 

If you’re looking for awesome reads within our collection that focus on finances or saving money, we’ve got something for all ages!  For example, patrons can browse our shelves for the following:  332.02402, 336.36, and 658.1526, which are all Dewey decimal numbers for the nonfiction topic of debt, ranging from personal to business-related (The Dewey Blog, 2011). Other great nonfiction books available in the CMRLS collection include:  Smart Money Smart Kids:  Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money by Dave Ramsey, Money Management for Those who Don’t Have Any by James L. Paris, and Grow Your Money!: 101 Easy Tips to Plan, Save, and Invest by Jonathan D. Pond. 

Our collection also features educational books about money for our younger readers, which are highly engaging and interactive. These are just a few of the titles you can find at our libraries:  Not So Common Cent$ by Sarah Wassner Flynn, Money: A Rich History by Jon R. Anderson, and What Do I Want? What Do I Need? by Rachel Eagen. 

Any of the above reads can be found at one of our local branches, our online catalog at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us, or you can even place a hold to pick up at any CMRLS branch!  You can also find a variety of great digital magazines, through our e-resource “Flipster,” which is free to access with your CMRLS Library Card! For example, Flipster features Consumer Report, which gives honest, reliable information on various products, from household appliances to cars, so you can read reviews before you decide to make a purchase. 

For free library programs celebrating Money Smart Week, stop by your local library branch or go to https://cmrls.trumba.com/ to view our online calendar of events. 

Pictured are two Trustmark Bank professionals who came to the 

Brandon Public Library last year to teach our kids how to save money

and open their own banking account.

No matter the age or personal budget, our libraries offer a variety of ways to help our community save money, from providing free information and resources to saving money on endless great reads! It’s another amazing way to make perfect use of your local library!