Every one of us has stories waiting to be found and shared. Join us as we Unearth a Story this summer. Whether you are digging into a good book, uncovering hidden histories, or exploring the past, we are celebrating the joy of discovery that reading brings.
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 13 - August 15. Let the countdown begin!
Important Dates
This year’s summer reading challenge runs from June 13 – August 15.
Registration Opens: June 1
Kickoff Party: June 13 from 11AM-3PM
Last Date for Raffle Bids: August 15
Last Date for Reward Pickups: September 4
What's in YOUR Wallet?
Commemorate your joining the 2026 reading challenge and exchange* your current Library Card for one of our limited edition summer reading cards! Stop by the circulation desk any time during Library hours to inquire.
Designed by our 2026 contest winners (top to bottom), Elizabeth L., Mariia N., Cassie G.!
*Please keep in mind that your library card number will change, so if you exchange, you’ll have a new one to memorize!
Join us on June 13 for the Kickoff Party!
Our annual Summer Reading Kickoff Party will be held rain or shine, Saturday, June 13 from 11AM-3PM.
Join us for some DINO-mite fun that includes prehistoric adventure brought to life by DinosaursArise, balloon art, airbrush tattoos, DJ music and games, food from Mahwah Pizza & Pasta, and so much more!
This event is free to attend and open to the whole family, with no registration required.
Challenge Guidelines
Get reading and listening all summer long (June 13 to August 15), log your reading on Beanstack, and earn rewards!
Whether books, audiobooks, eBooks, or graphic novels are your “jam”, it all counts towards your reading log.
How do I join?
It’s easy! Register yourself or a member of your family online on Beanstack to start your summer reading journey! Then, simply log your books or reading minutes via Beanstack online or the Beanstack app. Earn rewards along the way!
How old do you have to be to participate?
Summer reading is divided into three separate age group challenges:
Children: Birth – Grade 6
If you’ve just finished 5th grade, you are welcome to choose between the Children’s or Teen Summer Reading Challenge.
Teen: Grade 6-12
If you’ve just graduated from high school, you are welcome to choose between the Teen or Adult Summer Reading Challenge.
Adult: Adults of all ages
Can I participate if I don't live in Mahwah?
This reading challenge is only open to Mahwah residents.
Unearth a Story is being celebrated all over, and many libraries offer their own summer reading challenges. Non-residents are encouraged to support their local library and to check out any programs that are being offered there.
Earn Rewards
Tiered Prizes
Tiered prizes have returned! Adults will earn collectible tiered prizes for 3, 6, 9, and 12 books read. Teens and children will do so for 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours of reading completed. All age groups earn the same prizes.
- 3 books/hours: Earn a cute soft touch lip balm
- 6 books/hours: Earn a goofy light-up stylus twist pen
- 9 books/hours: Earn either a Dino grow set (choice #1), or a campfire ceramic mug (choice #2)
- 12 books/hours: Earn a tote bag
Raffle Basket Tickets
Thanks to the kind generosity of local area organizations, restaurants, and businesses, we have a specially curated collection of raffle baskets up for bids!
From books and puzzles to restaurant certificates and wellness products, there is something for everyone!
Log your reading to earn Raffle Basket Tickets. Adults earn 1 ticket per book read. Teens and Children earn 1 ticket per 60 minutes read. There is a 12 ticket maximum per patron.
As you earn your raffle tickets throughout the summer, stop by the circulation desk to place your bids on your favorite baskets. All bids must be made by the end of the Challenge (August 15).
Basket #1 - That's Fire
That’s Fire ($200 value)
- Amazon Fire HD 10 13th Gen Tablet (10.1″ 1080p Full HD display, Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage), with navy blue case
- AWE Learning Over-Ear Headphones (3.5mm corded)
Kindly donated by: ABDO Publishing Company; AWE Learning
Basket #2 - Supermarket Sweep
Supermarket Sweep ($200 value)
- $200 ShopRite Gift Card
Kindly donated by: ShopRite
Basket #3 - An Apple a Day
Basket #4 - On Cloud 9
On Cloud 9 ($1,000 value)
- Voucher for four (4) VIP tickets to one (1) regular season Gotham FC home game of your choice in 2026. Includes access to Gotham FC’s Founders Club seating and lounge with complimentary food & non-alcoholic beverages. (Winners who pick up their voucher the week of the drawing will have the opportunity to select from 4 different home games).
- FIFA 2026 World Cup New York/New Jersey Host City Scarf
Kindly donated by: Gotham FC (NWSL 2025 Champions, CONCACAF W Champions Cup 2025 Champions)
Basket #5 - Live Like a Local
Live Like a Local ($300 value)
- Gift Card for Tuesday Night Pasta Buffet at Mahwah Bar & Grill for Two People
- $50 Gift Card to Novino Ristorante
- $50 Gift Card to State Line Diner
- $50 Gift Certificate to Secor Farms, can be used on goods or services (e.g. hay rides)
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free oil change at Honda of Mahwah (good for any Honda vehicle 2005 and newer)
- Vintage Mahwah Public Library “The First 100 Years” Ceramic Mug
- Set of 5 Starbucks Reusable Hot Cups (16oz.) and 5 Starbucks Reusable Cold Cups (24oz.)
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Bar & Grill; Novino Ristorante; State Line Diner; Secor Farms; Honda of Mahwah; Starbucks
Basket #6 - It's About Time
It’s About Time ($350 value)
Kindly donated by: Seiko Watches
Basket #7 - Time's Ticking!
Time’s Ticking! ($350 value)
Kindly donated by: Seiko Watches
Basket #8 - A Perfect Pair
A Perfect Pair ($475 value)
Kindly donated by: Seiko Watches
Basket #9 - Gridiron Time
Gridiron Time ($450 value)
- Autographed NY Giants football (#5, Kayvon Thibodeaux) w/ certificate of authenticity
- Autographed Photos: Hakeem Nicks (#88, NY Giants), Marty Lyons (#93, NY Jets)
- Voucher for (4) tickets to Rutgers vs. UMass football game on Thursday, Sept 3 (Winner should plan to pick up their basket before August 20 in order to redeem voucher for seat selection.)
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free oil change at Honda of Mahwah (good for any Honda vehicle 2005 and newer)
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free Ultimate Wash at Dinosaur Car Wash (Linden)
- Set of 5 Starbucks Reusable Hot Cups (16oz.)
Kindly donated by: MetLife Stadium; New York Giants; Rutgers Scarlet Knights; Honda of Mahwah; Starbucks; Dinosaur Car Wash
Basket #10 - Ready for Fall
Ready for Fall ($375 value)
- Certificate for one (1) service call (cleaning & inspection of 1 fireplace/chimney) from Bill Bickel Chimney Sweep
- $50 Gift Certificate to Secor Farms, can be used on goods or services (e.g. Hay Rides)
- Mystical Flames and 100% Biomass Fire Starting Cubes Sets
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free oil change at Honda of Mahwah (good for any Honda vehicle 2005 and newer)
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free Ultimate Wash at Dinosaur Car Wash (Linden)
- Set of 5 Starbucks Reusable Hot Cups (16oz.)
Kindly donated by: Secor Farms; Bill Bickel Chimney Sweep; Starbucks; Honda of Mahwah; Dinosaur Car Wash
Basket #11 - Summer Fun Won't Stop
Summer Fun Won’t Stop ($275 value)
- Tsunami Rigged N’ Ready 5’6” 2000 Multi-Species Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
- Tsunami Rigged N Ready 7′ Medium Heavy Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- Assortment of Marathon and Tsunami Pro jigs, lures, & minnows
- Certificate for One Week/One Child for the Mahwah Summer Rec Program (Summer 2027)
- Certificate for four (4) one-day Mahwah Municipal Pool Passes good through Labor Day 2027
- Mahwah Rec Department Swag Bag
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free Ultimate Wash at Dinosaur Car Wash (Linden)
Kindly donated by: Folsom Corporation, Mahwah Recreation Department; Dinosaur Car Wash
Basket #12 - Family Fitness
Family Fitness ($400 value)
- 1 Month Family Membership to Valley Health LifeStyles
- Valley Health LifeStyles Gym Bag & Towel
Kindly donated by: Valley Health System
Basket #13 - Date Night
Date Night ($350 value)
- $150 Gift Certificate for Professional Makeup Application from Makeup by Cheryl
- $100 Gift Card to Cenzino Restaurant (Oakland)
- $100 Gift Certificate to Osteria Trevi (Madison)
Kindly donated by: Makeup by Cheryl; Cenzino Restaurant; Osteria Trevi
Basket #14 - Family Fun for Everyone
Family Fun for Everyone ($225 value)
- Two (2) $25 Gift Cards to Mason Jar Family Restaurant
- Assortment of family games and puzzles
- Two (2) Gift Certificates for a free Ultimate Wash at Dinosaur Car Wash (Linden)
- Set of 5 Starbucks Reusable Hot Cups (16oz.) and 5 Starbucks Reusable Cold Cups (24oz.)
Kindly donated by: Mason Jar Family Restaurant; Starbucks; Dinosaur Car Wash
Basket #15 - Vibes are Immaculate
Vibes Are Immaculate ($200 value)
- YA books (some signed)
- Klutz Sew Your Own Donut Animals Kit
- Cozy Reading Kit (reading-themed socks, glass mug w/straw, & candle)
- Mahwah Public Library Insulated Travel Mug
- Kawaii Fun Assortment
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Public Library, Library Patrons
Basket #16 - Unearth a Surprise
Unearth a Surprise ($200 value)
- Middle grade books (signed)
- Official KPop Demon Hunters Poster Book
- Blind Bag (assorted mystery blind bag items)
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Public Library, Library Patrons
Basket #17 - Explore Your World
Explore Your World ($200 value)
- Older elementary non-fiction books
- $50 Gift Certificate to Secor Farms, can be used on goods or services (e.g. Hay Rides)
- Usborne Build Your Own Dinosaur Sticker Book
- National Geographic Dino Egg Dig Kit
- Clixo Dino Adventure Set
- Terra RC Climbing Fly
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Public Library, Secor Farms, Library Patrons
Basket #18 - Let’s Get Moving
Let’s Get Moving ($250 value)
- Voucher for two (2) tickets to a 2026 NY Red Bulls home match
- $50 Gift Certificate to Secor Farms, can be used on goods or services (e.g. hay rides)
- Older elementary sports non-fiction books (signed)
- Active toys
Kindly donated by: New York Red Bulls, Mahwah Public Library, Secor Farms, Library Patrons
Basket #19 - Leveling Up
Leveling Up ($175 value)
- Assortment of early elementary chapter books and graphic novels (some signed)
- Usborne Build Your Own Dinosaur Sticker Book
- National Geographic Clay Dinosaur Modeling Kit
- Miraculous toy & surprise boxes
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Public Library, Library Patrons
Basket #20 - Ready to Read
Ready to Read ($200 value)
- Duckling and Fly Guy plushies
- Assortment of early leveled readers
- Pete the Cat Cool Cat Math Game (Grade 1)
- Booksy Disney Edition Stitch and Simba Collectible Figures
- Two (2) vouchers for $25 off a private Jiggly Wiggly session with Ms. Christina
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Public Library, Jiggly Wiggly with Ms. Christina
Basket #21 - Play & Learn
Play & Learn ($225 value)
- Pigeon and Benny the Beanstack Bean plushies
- Assortment of picture books (two signed)
- Hands at Play Dinosaur Floor Puzzle Set
- Steggy the Fine Motor Dino
- Two (2) vouchers for $25 off a private Jiggly Wiggly session with Ms. Christina
Kindly donated by: Mahwah Public Library, Jiggly Wiggly with Ms. Christina
All prizes and rewards must be picked up by September 4.
This summer, there will be no additional prize program associated with summer event attendance.