Start your 2026 vision board with books and reading challenges!

What better way to ring in the new year than with great reads. It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember the last time you picked up a book or if you’re an avid reader—our reading challenges are for readers of all stages. This blog breaks down the different challenges we offer, who they’re for, and the prizes that come with them. Yes, you heard that right: $20 gift cards will be awarded to the winners of our reading challenges. Keep reading to learn more.

Adult Reading Challenge

Read any books you like and complete our bingo card to earn virtual ballots. The more squares you complete, the more chances you have to win a $20 gift card. This challenge can be done virtually or in person. The steps below outline how to participate virtually through the Beanstack app. Alternatively, you can download the PDF version of the bingo card on our Reading Challenges webpage or pick up a physical bingo card at any branch. For information on how to use physical cards, please speak with our staff.

Get started virtually on Beanstack:

• Download the Beanstack app (search for Markham Public Library) or visit MPL’s Beanstack page. After downloading, create an account for yourself or members of your family.
• Sign up for the reading challenge - Adult Reading Challenge, of your choice in the Beanstack app. Complete the various challenges on the bingo card to earn virtual tickets.
• Submit your tickets in Beanstack for a chance to win prizes. For physical bingo cards, please ask our staff for information on how to participate.

Kids Reading Challenge (Grades 1–3)

Support your child’s reading journey with fun, achievable goals through this reading challenge. Kids earn digital badges in Beanstack as they log books and complete activities. The more badges they earn, the more virtual tickets they receive for a chance to win a $20 gift card. Participants are also invited to join our in-branch meetups happening in January to meet other young book lovers.

Get started on Beanstack:

• Download the Beanstack app (search for Markham Public Library) or visit MPL’s Beanstack page. After downloading, create an account for yourself or members of your family.
• Sign up for the reading challenge - Kids Reading Challenge, in the Beanstack app. Complete the various challenges on the bingo card to earn virtual tickets.
• Submit your tickets in Beanstack for a chance to win prizes. For physical bingo cards, please ask our staff for information on how to participate.

Read It Your Way Challenge

Are you an audiobook listener or an on‑the‑go e‑reader? No matter how you read—turning pages, swiping a screen, or listening with your ears—this challenge lets you enjoy books on your own terms. Start reading today and earn badges all year long. This challenge is open to all ages. To complete it, read 25 books of your choice for a chance to win a $20 e‑gift card. You can also complete additional monthly challenges just for fun. Start this challenge on Beanstack now.

Get started on Beanstack:

• Download the Beanstack app (search for Markham Public Library) or visit MPL’s Beanstack page. After downloading, create an account for yourself or members of your family.
• Sign up for the reading challenge - Read It Your Way,  in the Beanstack app. Complete the various challenges on the bingo card to earn virtual tickets.
• Submit your tickets in Beanstack for a chance to win prizes. For physical bingo cards, please ask our staff for information on how to participate.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge

A thousand books may sound like a lot, but it’s a meaningful milestone that supports essential brain development and builds early literacy skills for young children. Join MPL’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge and read with your little one. When they reach 1,000 books, they’ll earn a special certificate from MPL to celebrate their achievement. Get started on Beanstack, or visit any branch for details.

Get started on Beanstack:

• Download the Beanstack app (search for Markham Public Library) or visit MPL’s Beanstack page. After downloading, create an account for yourself or members of your family.
• Sign up for the reading challenge - 1000 Books Before Kindergarten,  in the Beanstack app. Complete the various challenges on the bingo card to earn virtual tickets.
• Submit your tickets in Beanstack for a chance to win prizes. For physical bingo cards, please ask our staff for information on how to participate.