Reading Programs & Challenges
Whether you're a young reader exploring new worlds or an adult seeking literary enrichment, VBPL fosters a love for books while encouraging community participation and personal growth.
Virginia Beach Public Library
Reading Programs & Challenges
2024 Annual Reading Challenge
Choose your own adventure with three reading goals to pick from in 2024! Challenge yourself to read 12, 24, or 52 books and receive a newly designed canvas bag, exclusive reading lists, and recommendations from library staff throughout the year. Complete 12 optional reading prompts for an extra digital badge.
Printable logs are also available to track reading.
A Reading Community for Teens (Grades 6-12)
Join now to meet other teens, and get cool extras like members-only reading lists, prizes, and perks throughout the year including VIP treatment at VBPL's big teen events. Challenge yourself to read 6, 12, or 24 books to receive an exclusive TRS prize when you crush your goal!
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
What is the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge?
This library program encourages all Virginia Beach families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten.
Reading to preschool-age children builds vocabulary and helps develop the language skills they need for kindergarten. In as little as 15 minutes a day, families can build the skills for future school and life success.
Who can participate?
Preschool-age children (0-5 years old) with their families/caregivers.
How does 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge work?
- Register or sign in online – Visit your library to pick up a free badge book, while supplies last.
- Track your reading – Log the titles you read with your child and visit the library to receive a sticker each time you read 100 books.
- Read more books – Keep logging until you reach 1,000 books.
- Celebrate! – When you reach 1,000 books, visit the library to receive your book bag and a free book of your choice to keep!
Tips:
Count any books that are read to your child, no matter who reads the books. Children learn through repetition - you can read the same book multiple times. Books read at storytime count, too. Learn about storytimes.
VBPL Reading Programs
Find out more about our annual Battle of the Books (for 5th graders and middle school students) and Summer Reading Challenge (for children ages 0 through grade 8). Even our youngest readers (ages birth to five) can participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program (see Kids tab above).
In accordance with the City of Virginia Beach’s Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability Policy, customers may request reasonable accommodation for programs. Requests must be made directly to the branch manager at the time of program registration, but no later than 48 hours before a scheduled event. View our Accessible Resources and Services page for additional information.