Winter Reading

Winter Reading

December 7, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Winter Reading is back at San José Public Library! For this challenge, all ages can read their choice of 4 hours OR 4 books to qualify for fun grand prizes.

Log your reading via the Beanstack website or mobile app to qualify for grand prize selection AND collect a free giveaway prize at any SJPL location!

How to Register

Read to Raise

Join San José Public Library Foundation's (SJPLF) fundraiser on Beanstack! You can make a direct donation to the fundraiser or have your friends and family sponsor your winter reading when you share your donation page. Raise at least $100 for SJPLF's mission to support the Library to be eligible to WIN a $50 gift card grand prize!

Join the Fundraiser

Get the App

Giveaway Prizes

Free giveaways for all participants while supplies last.

Tote bag for the adults.

Winter bookmark craft kit.

Cartoon-style novelty pens.

From December 7 - January 7, 2024 registered adults can select a tote bag (limit one per person, while supplies last) from any SJPL location. Registered youth ages 0–18 can select a free prize book!

BINGO Bonus Prize

Participants ages 0–18 can also play a new BINGO game for a chance to win a second giveaway prize! Youth complete select activities to get a BINGO in any direction, then take their winning card to any SJPL location to collect a special giveaway of their choice — either a cartoon-style novelty pen OR a winter bookmark craft kit (while supplies last).

Download one of 5 BINGO cards: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (1MB PDF, each)

sample Winter Reading Bingo card

Grand Prizes

Complete the Winter Reading program to earn a chance to win a grand prize.

Pre-Readers (ages 0-5)
Magnetic Tile Building Blocks

Readers (ages 5-10)
Lunar Telescope for Kids w/companion Astronomy Book for Kids

Pre-teen (ages 10-12)
Sphero Mini (Coding Robot) Activity Kit

Teen (ages 12-18)
Portable Instant Color Photo Printer Starter Kit

Adults (ages 18+)
Fitbit Inspire 3

Frequently Asked Questions

NO. The Winter Reading program ends on January 7, 2024.
YES. Youth can be registered for Winter Reading on their own AND as part of a class/group, as there are separate grand prize contests for groups and individuals. Contact us with any additional questions.
There will be five grand prizes awarded in all. One grand prize per age group (see grand prize descriptions). The group grand prize are book bundles of age-appropriate titles.
YES. Any student who is registered for Winter Reading as part of a class/group can claim a giveaway prize, same as anyone else. All giveaways MUST be claimed in person at a local SJPL branch. Giveaway prizes WILL NOT be set aside on site or sent to local schools. Educators, please remind students to claim their giveaway prize in person at any SJPL location.
YES, all adults and youth MUST claim their free participation prize IN PERSON at any SJPL location. No exceptions.