Friday, November 5, 2021
The number of school districts using Beanstack is growing in Wisconsin! There are nearly 40 districts up and running and another 30 getting ready to launch. These numbers are exciting, but all Wisconsin students should be able to experience Beanstack.
Beanstack, a tool for building reading engagement, is being offered to all Wisconsin public school districts through the DPI with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant. The intention in providing this opportunity has two focus areas. First, school librarians will be able to highlight the important role they play in student literacy growth and development. Beanstack is a tool to increase motivation and engagement in readers, and school use manifests from the library program. Second, Beanstack is being used in many public libraries throughout Wisconsin. The program allows students to connect their school and public library accounts and is a wonderful way to open collaborative conversations with youth services public library staff members.
A previous School Library Scoop article highlighted a variety of Beanstack features, and there are new developments, too. Beanstack now offers Reading Fundraisers. This feature, included in the platform, provides a safe, time-saving, and flexible option to fundraise during these challenging times. Check out this page to estimate how much you can raise for your school library.
There are also new challenges regularly being added to Beanstack. You will find one fitting with WEMTA’s Battle of the Books. The Read Across Wisconsin challenge includes a wide variety of activities, such as using BadgerLink and learning about Wisconsin First Nations. If you launch your district soon, you can also participate in #WinterRead2022, taking place in January! This challenge is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group and features their Read for a Better Worldcollection. Logging reading throughout the month leads to a chance to win virtual author visits and books for your school library! You can learn more about the challenge here.
If you are interested in learning more about Beanstack, another informational session is scheduled for Friday, November 19, 2021, from 9:00AM to 9:45AM. Here is a link to register. If you cannot make the meeting, or if you are ready to get started today, this flyer includes a link to request a Beanstack kick-off in your district.