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1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

      Join in the reading fun with the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and help your child develop the early literacy skills they need to become independent readers who enjoy stories and learning.

     One thousand books may seem like a lot, but it is a very attainable number. If you read just one book a day, you will fulfill the challenge in less than 3 years. If you read 3 books a day, you will complete the challenge in less than 1 year. Books read by a teacher, librarian, babysitter, and family member all count, as do Wonderbooks and audiobooks. Favorite books that your child yearns to hear every day also count each time you read that book. 

     Start by registering your child for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge in Beanstack using either the Beanstack app or the website www.beanstack.com. Search for Tipp City Public Library.  Register yourself as the head of household and add your child (baby, toddler, or preschooler) as a reader. Then, stop in the library and pick up a folder if you would like to use a paper tracker. 

     You may track the books read in one of these ways:

  1. Entirely through Beanstack by recording the number of books read
  2. Using the bookworm paper tracker in the folder and coloring/marking a circle for each book read
  3. Using the title tracker in the folder (This is not necessary unless you prefer to keep this type of detailed record.)

     Once your child listens to 100 books, record the number of books in Beanstack or bring your completed paper tracker to the library, where a staff member will log the books for you in Beanstack. You will receive a sticker for your child’s folder for every 100 books read. When 1,000 books have been read, the stickers will form a bookworm on the folder’s cover.

     At the 200, 400, 600, and 800 book levels, your child may select a prize. Once your child has listened to 1,000 books, they may choose a free book and will have their name displayed on a bookworm in the children’s area to celebrate their accomplishment. 

 

 

SUMMER READING

We use Beanstack to track summer reading for all ages. You may either use the Beanstack app or the website. Register the readers first and then track activities, programs, and books (for pre-readers) or minutes (20 minutes = 1 day for elementary-age children). Raffle tickets can also be submitted for the desired prizes using Beanstack. 

Pre-Reader: This summer reading program is for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with adult assistance.

Bingo (1 row across, down, or diagonal)

Grand Prize #1:

  • Book bag
  • 1 book of choice–board or picture
  • Coupon pack #1
  • One virtual ticket for raffle prize in Beanstack

Coverall (all 9 squares)

Grand Prize #2:

  • 1 book of choice–board or picture
  • Small toy from the basket
  • Coupon pack #2
  • Three virtual tickets for raffle prize in Beanstack

Pre-Reader Raffle Prizes:

  • $50 Topsy Turvy Toys Gift Certificate
  • Paw Patrol Squishmallows & Sticker/Coloring Book & Bike Helmet
  • Bluey Pack: Bluey Squishmallows, Keepy Uppy game, Crayola Bluey Color Wonder Coloring Set, and 4-pack Heeler family figurines
  • 85-piece LEGO DUPLO Classic Deluxe Brick Box
  • Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Blockables Play Set

Elementary Reader: This summer reading program is for children who will be entering K-5th grade in August of 2026.

Children can earn points for reading/listening to books, attending library programs, participating in Creative Corners and contests at the library, or writing book reviews using Beanstack.

  • 20* minutes of reading per day = 20 points
    (Parents/Guardians can adjust the amount of time if 20 minutes is unreasonable for their child)
  • Attending a library activity (elementary or family) = 10 points
  • Participating in a Creative Corner or contest = 5 points

Prize Levels

  • 1st Prize – 100 points:
    • Free book
    • Coupon pack #1
  • 2nd Prize – 150 points:
    • Brag Tag
    • Chain necklace or bracelet
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 3rd Prize – 200 points:
    • 2 special beads
  • 4th Prize – 250 points:
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 5th Prize – 300 points:
    • 2 special beads
  • 6th Prize – 350 points:
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 7th Prize – 400 points (Completion):
    • 2 special beads
    • 2 virtual raffle tickets
    • Coupon pack #2 (which includes the Invite to End of Summer Party)
  • 8th Prize – 450 points:
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 9th Prize – 500 points:
    • 2 special beads
  • 10th Prize – 550 points:
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 11th Prize – 600 points:
    • 2 special beads
  • 12th Prize – 650 points:
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 13th Prize – 700 points:
    • 2 special beads
  • 14th Prize – 750 points:
    • 2 pony beads
    • 1 virtual raffle ticket
  • 15th Prize – 800 points:
    • 4 special beads
    • 2 virtual raffle tickets

Elementary Raffle Prizes:

  • Gems Galore: amethyst, fool’s gold, and National Geographic’s Super Gemstone Dig Kit
  • Candy & Cool Rocks: $25 at RAD Candy and gorgeous Ohio flint, turitella agate and dinosaur coprolite (dino poop)
  • MindWare’s Dig It Up! Dinosaur Skeleton Eggs Excavation Kit
  • Clementoni’s Electronics Laboratory
  • Create Art Pack: sketch pad, Paper Mate gel pen set, Window Art kit, Diamond Painting Kit, and flower-themed Perler Bead set
  • E-BLOX Building Blocks Circuit Kit 120 Projects, Build Your Own Sound Machine & Radio
  • 4 general admission tickets to Kings Island
  • 2 Dayton Dragons tickets to the Sunday, August 9th game (Great Lakes Loons)
  • 2 Dayton Dragons tickets to the Saturday, September 5 game (West Michigan Whitecaps)

JUNE ACTIVITIES

Baby Cuddle Time (6-17 months)  

Mondays, June 8 & 22, from 10:30-11:00 AM in the Children’s Area

For babies and an adult (parent, grandparent, or caregiver). Cuddle close with your baby and enjoy songs, rhymes, bounces, and stories together. Learn easy activities you can do with your baby at home to develop early literacy skills. Registration is NOT required. 

Toddler Tales (18-41 months) 

Wednesdays, June 10 & 24, in the downstairs Meeting Room from 10:15- 11:00 AM or from 11:15  AM – noon

For toddlers and an adult  (parent, grandparent, or caregiver). Now that your child is moving and active, join us for stories, singing, dancing, and activities that will help your toddler develop a love of books and reading. The first 15 minutes are for self-directed exploration, where toddlers can engage in developmentally appropriate math, writing, fine motor, and gross motor stations. 

Registration is required. Limit 16 toddlers in each session.

Both the 10:15 and 11:15 classes are full. Please email wtorrence@tippcitylibrary.org with the child’s name, age, the desired class time, and a phone number to be waitlisted. 

Preschool Storytime (3 ½ years- 5 years with a caregiver) 

Thursdays, June 11 & 25,  in the downstairs Meeting Room from 10:30 -11:15 AM 

Registration opens at 10 AM on June 2

Get your preschoolers ready to read by immersing them in wonderful stories that will engage them and get them excited about reading. This storytime offers opportunities for children to sing, play, talk, write, paint, and engage in a variety of creative developmentally appropriate learning activities.

Registration is required and is full. Please email wtorrence@tippcitylibrary.org with the child’s name, age, the desired class, and a phone number to be waitlisted.  

Family Program: Dr. Insecta’s Bug Lab Experience:

Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Sponsored by Tipp City Rotary Club

Dr. Insecta has enthralled audiences of all ages across America! Experience real entomology magic as Dr. Insecta introduces some of the largest live insects on the planet. This interactive program will entertain and educate us about these incredible creatures. Registration is NOT required.

Family Program: Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

Monday, June 29, from 7:00-8:00 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Sponsored by Tipp City Chamber of Commerce and Topsy Turvy Toys

Can your family work together as a team to put together a colorful 400-piece puzzle in 60 minutes or less?  Bring your team of up to five family members (at least one must be a child in grade 5 or younger) and see which team completes their puzzle in the shortest amount of time. Participants get to take their puzzles home. Those teams finishing first, second, and third will also win a prize from Topsy Turvy Toys.  

Registration is full. If you wish to be waitlisted, email wtorrence@tippcitylibrary.org with your name, phone number, and the program you want to be waitlisted for. 

Reading Rocks: Gemstones, Crystals & Fossils

Tuesday, June 30, from 1:00-1:45 PM, in the downstairs Meeting Room

Sponsored by Abbey Credit Union

Learn how to read the clues that help us identify the earth’s treasures at this hands-on program by Crystal Clear Science. Kids will study gemstone specimens, Cincinnati Arch fossils, coal, and fluorescent minerals using magnifiers and black light.  They will learn how coal is used to generate electricity and perform an experiment called smashing spheres to see the power of friction. They will make a real gemstone tassel to attach to a Reading Rocks Bookmark that they can take home.

Registration is required for children in incoming grades 1-5. Registration is FULL. To be waitlisted, email wtorrence@tippcitylibrary.org with your child’s name, incoming grade, and a phone number. 

JULY ACTIVITIES

Baby Cuddle Time (6-17 months)  

Mondays, July 6 & 20, from 10:30-11:00 AM in the Children’s Area

For babies and an adult (parent, grandparent, or caregiver). Cuddle close with your baby and enjoy songs, rhymes, bounces, and stories together. Learn easy activities you can do with your baby at home to develop early literacy skills. Registration is NOT required. 

Rock Painting & Storybook Trail 

Tuesday, July 7, from 6:30-7:30 PM at Tipp City Park

Enjoy a rock painting craft using acrylic markers with Liatris Lara of the Miami County Park District. Walk along a storybook trail of the book Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor and earn a gemstone rock. In case of inclement weather, the program will take place in the Meeting Room of the Tipp City Public Library.  Registration is NOT required. 

 

Toddler Tales (18-41 months) 

Wednesdays, July 8 & 22, in the downstairs Meeting Room from 10:15-11:00 AM or from 11:15  AM-noon

Registration opens at 10 AM on June 2

For toddlers and an adult  (parent, grandparent, or caregiver). Now that your child is moving and active, join us for stories, singing, dancing, and activities that will help your toddler develop a love of books and reading. The first 15 minutes are for self-directed exploration, where toddlers can engage in developmentally appropriate math, writing, fine motor, and gross motor stations.  Registration is required; links will be posted here at 10 AM on June 2. Limit 16 toddlers in each session. 

 

Preschool Storytime (3 ½ years to 5 years with a caregiver) 

Thursdays, July 9 & 23, in the downstairs Meeting Room from 10:30-11:15 AM 

Registration opens at 10 AM on July 1

Get your preschoolers ready to read by immersing them in wonderful stories that will engage them and get them excited about reading. This storytime offers opportunities for children to sing, play, talk, write, paint, and engage in a variety of creative learning activities. Registration is required.  Limit 18 preschoolers.

Family Program: Chomping Dinosaur Craft:

Monday, July 13, from 3:00-4:00 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

We’ll use cardboard, acrylic paint, markers, and poster board to create a fierce, chomping dinosaur.The paint is permanent, so dress accordingly. Registration is required and opens at 10 AM on July 1. Max 30 children aged preschool to incoming grade 5. 

Family Program: Dino Buddies: 

Tuesday, July 14, from 11 AM-noon in the downstairs Meeting Room

Sponsored by Midwest Ohio Dental & Wright-Patt Credit Union

Voted Best Outreach Program 2025 by Cincinnati Family Magazine, Dino Buddies will take us on an imaginary journey to learn about dinosaurs from different eras. Be amazed by life-like puppets that move, interact, and engage with the audience.  Max: 100 people. First come, first served. 

Library Fun at City Park–recommended for ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver 

Wednesday, July 15, from 10:00-10:45 AM

Join Ms. Julie and Ms. Wendy for stories, music, movement, and more at Tipp City Park on N. Third Street! Bring a blanket or chairs for your family. (In case of inclement weather, storytime will be held in the Meeting Room at Tipp City Public Library.)

Dig In! The World of Worms

THURSDAY, July 16, from 2:00-3:00 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Learn about worms and the essential role they play in nature. Build your own worm habitat to take home and make a tasty dirt pudding snack to eat. Registration is required and opens at 10 AM on July 1. Max 25 children in incoming grades 1-5. 

Family Book Club Party: The Wild Robot

Tuesday, July 21, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Starting June 2 at 10 AM, sign up to read The Wild Robot chapter book or The Wild Robot on the Island picture book by Peter Brown as a family.  You may check out the book at the main circulation desk in the library or secure a copy elsewhere. Read or listen to the book as a family, and then come to the book party to celebrate. We’ll have a brief discussion of the book. Then, participants will make their own Roz, the robot, and participate in other fun activities such as The Human Knot game. Registration is required. Register online using the registration form.  

Rocks & Fossils with Mike Manning

Wednesday, July 22, from 2:00-3:00 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Sponsored by Wright-Patt Credit Union

Learn about collecting rocks and fossils. Try your hand at using a sluice and keep the treasures you find! Registration is required and opens at 10 AM on July 1. Max 30 children in incoming grades 1-5. 

Family Movie Night: Dog Man (rated PG)

Thursday, July 23, from 6:30-8:05 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Join the Tipp City Public Library as we celebrate America250 by participating in Ohio Goes to the Movies — a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohio’s actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state. 

Tipp City Public Library will be showing the film Dog Man (2025), rated PG. When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together — and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree. Popcorn and water will be available for patrons for free during the movie. 

Ohio Connection: This film is based on the national bestseller series by the same name, written by Ohio author Dav Pilkey (born in Cleveland, OH).  This program is funded by a grant from the Miami County Visitors Bureau. Registration is NOT required.

LEGO Builders’ Club: 

Saturday, July 25, from 11 AM-noon in the downstairs Meeting Room 

What amazing LEGO creation can you build either by yourself or with a group of friends? We will display all of the themed creations in the children’s area for three weeks so that you can have bragging rights. For children in incoming grades K-5. Registration is NOT required.

Family Program: Dig It with Bluey: 

Tuesday, July 28, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the downstairs Meeting Room

Are you a Bluey fan? Come to the library to enjoy crafts, games, and activities all about Bluey and her family. Registration is NOT required.

 

AT-HOME ACTIVITIES

Elementary-aged children can explore animals, space, science, geography, and more plus play games and puzzles HERE.

PreK-5 Teacher Collections

If you would like a staff member to collect books, audiobooks, or movies for you on a particular theme, subject, or author, you will need to fill out a teacher collection request form two weeks in advance of when you want to pick-up the books.
Teacher Collection Request Form