Totally Cool Winter Reading Challenge
Dec. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 • For All Ages • Registration Now Open
The Totally Cool Winter Reading Challenge is back! This winter, we challenge York County to read 2 million minutes for the chance to win great prizes! It's easy: register online or visit any YCL location or the Bookmobile, then track your reading using a paper log or our interactive Beanstack platform to unlock digital badges and discover new books along the way. If you've registered for a previous challenge, no need to sign up again — see the FAQ for more details.
After logging your first 5 hours, you'll earn a prize and one entry into the Grand Prize Drawing! Every additional 5 hours earns another entry, up to 5 total. Read on to learn more, including how you can give back to neighbors in need — and earn even more chances to win — through Well-Read & Well-Fed, our new community service project. Happy reading, York County!
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Note: While the Main Library is closed, Rock Hill readers can sign up at storytimes in the Rock Hill Galleria (Old Rue 21 storefront), Mondays, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., or Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
How the Winter Reading Challenge Works
Totally Cool Winter Reading Challenge: All Ages
The challenge begins Dec. 15 — read (or listen) to anything you like! Track your progress in Beanstack, or pick up a reading log at any participating YCL location. Once you've logged 5 hours, stop by any open YCL branch or the Bookmobile by Jan. 31 to claim your prize!
Want more chances to win? Keep reading! For every additional 5 hours, you’ll earn another entry into the Totally Cool Grand Prize Drawing, up to 5 total entries.
NEW! Well-Read & Well-Fed Community Project
Well-Read and Well-Fed is YCL's new Winter Reading Challenge community service project, where your love of books helps feed neighbors in need. Pick up a meal kit bag at any YCL branch and use the included recipe card and list of affordable, easy-to-find ingredients to assemble a simple, shelf-stable "Meal in a Bag." Each completed kit you return earns one entry for an additional Winter Reading prize — up to 5 entries. All donated meal kits support our community through local blessing boxes and partner organizations. It's a fun, easy way to give back while you enjoy reading!
Share the Reading Fun
We'd love to hear about all the fun you're having during the Totally Cool Winter Reading Challenge! Tag us on Facebook (@yorkcountylibrary) or Twitter (@Beamer_YCL) with #WinterRead2026.​
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Note: The Main Library in Rock Hill will be closed for renovations during this time. You can visit any other YCL location, stop by the Bookmobile, or contact us for help with logging and prizes. Prizes are available while supplies last and may be substituted as needed.
How to Log Reading with Beanstack
Beanstack Website
Log in or create an account to track the books you and your family read. See this tutorial for guidance. If you need help resetting your password, contact a staff member.
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Beanstack Tracker App
Easily track your reading on the go with the Beanstack Tracker App for Android and Apple devices. When setting up, select York County Library (SC). Watch this video to get started.
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Beanstack Tracker: Alexa Skill
Simply say "Alexa, enable Beanstack Tracker" to log your reading hands-free using your Amazon Alexa-enabled device. You must have a Beanstack account first.
Beanstack Help and FAQ​
For general information about Beanstack and how it works, see their FAQ. Still need help? Call any YCL location during business hours or email us anytime. We're happy to assist you with registration, logging books, or answering questions.
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