Los Alamos County Library revises summer reading program with bingo format, mobile-friendly lists and expanded events

Eva Jacobs, senior librarian of community engagement for the Los Alamos County Library, told the board the library’s summer reading program will run for two months this year (in June and July) and will follow the nationwide “Level Up” theme, adapted locally with a mix of reading, STEM and game-like challenges.

The library is changing the adult participation format from two separate tracks to a single 3-by-3 bingo card, Jacobs said. Each bingo square will offer three alternative ways to satisfy the requirement; one option for every square will be a “read, watch or listen” challenge tied to the square’s theme. Participants who complete any three-in-a-row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) will receive a small guaranteed prize, and participants who complete every square (“blackout”) will receive a larger prize. The staff said there will typically be three prize choices for each award level rather than a raffle entry.

Lisa (staff member) described design and access changes intended to improve participation. The library will continue to use Beanstack for entries but is producing mobile-friendly curated reading lists and “hook” recommendations on Canva so the lists are legible and links are live on phones; the Canva lists are not integrated with Beanstack but will be linked from the library and also printed for patrons who prefer paper. Lisa said staff solicited ideas across teams to create activities that range from low to higher time commitments so patrons can participate at their convenience.

Last year’s adult participation numbers were cited: 211 adult registrations and 34 people who completed every challenge. Jacobs and Lisa said the prize scale will be smaller for guaranteed completion prizes (in the $10–$15 range, not the previous ~$100 grand prizes), a change motivated by patron feedback that large raffle-based grand prizes left many regular participants without any reward.

Youth programming will retain the library’s existing participation-focused approach rather than a strict completion model. New and returning events highlighted include: - Wise Schools (performance troupe) to open the program on June 2 with workshops such as circus skills, puppet making and stilt walking, plus an evening performance. - Clan Tinker (performance) at Ashley Farms on June 30. - A weekly Creation Studio for ages 6 and up at Mesa Public Library on Tuesdays from about 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., described as drop-in creative sessions including costume making and challenges. - Participation again in the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs “Wonders on Wheels” traveling museum at Mesa and White Rock (dates to be confirmed). - Returning favorites such as “Reading With” programs (rangers, police, firefighters), youth yoga, anime club, Books & Banter and Random Fandom with longer summer sessions.

Board members asked about accessibility and participation barriers. Jacobs said staff will assist patrons with Beanstack entries and that multiple formats (including audiobooks) count toward reading challenges. The staff emphasized they try to design options that accommodate homebound patrons and those with disabilities. Marketing for the program will begin roughly one month before the program start with social media, flyers, a press release and cross-posting on community accounts; staff asked board members to help amplify marketing through board summaries, events and community partners.

Board members and staff said they will evaluate the pilot changes after the summer and may revert or adjust prize structures based on participant feedback. The presentation finished with an invitation for board members to help at outreach events and with festival tables in the spring and summer.