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By Katrina Wilson | Sponsored by Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries invites students in grades K to 12 to “Level Up Your Reading,” a gamified reading challenge to track minutes, earn prizes and work their way toward a grand prize drawing.

Game Rules:

The challenge started on Sept. 8.
You can sign up for Level Up Your Reading online at pwcva.gov/library, on the Beanstack Tracker app, or by stopping by any Prince William Public Library.
This reading challenge ends once you beat all levels. This is unique because readers can start the challenge as early as kindergarten and complete it by the senior year of high school.
Pick up the Level 1: The Beginning bookmark at any Prince William Public Library.
Readers, track your progress on the bookmark or the app.

Each box = 20 minutes of reading.

400 minutes = 1 level, then you can proceed to the next level.
Come into the library after each level for a collectible lapel pin and bookmark to track the next level’s reading minutes.
10 levels total.

Readers start at Level 1: The Beginning, and make their way through exciting worlds like Rainbow Ridge, Puzzle Peak, and Mystery Maze before reaching the ultimate level — Level 10: Champion’s Circle.

According to Rachel Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director of Prince William Public Libraries, the level names are a fun way to keep track of their levels.

Prizes for readers:

Readers can finish all 10 levels for a chance to win big in PWPL’s grand prize drawing.

“Whether you’re reading books, audiobooks, or graphic novels–every minute counts,” Johnson said.

She said even assigned reading, such as textbooks, is eligible. “For older readers, that means they don’t have to ‘go out of their way’ in addition to what they’re reading for school to level up,” Johnson said.

When a reader comes into any Prince William Public Library to pick up their first bookmark, they’ll also receive a “Level Up” lanyard. After each level, they can stop in to get a collectible lapel pin, and after completing all 10 levels, they’ll be entered into a prize drawing.

 Origins

“Level Up Your Reading is a continuation of the popular 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The goal is to encourage students to read more and enjoy the journey,” she said.

Patrons may remember PWPL’s 1,000 Books Before Graduation for teens to read and learn life skills. That program was sunset in 2023.

As explained on PWPL’s podcast, Important Library Stuff, staff heard from parents that more was needed for older readers.

Johnson added: “There was a gap after children completed 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten before they could start 1,000 Books Before Graduation. Level Up is a simple and engaging program that helps bridge that gap.”

Katrina Wilson is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.