Beanstack allows you to:
· Keep track of all family members’ reading logs, progress, and rewards on one account.
· Log reading from home or on the go.
· Receive weekly book recommendations.
· See recommended Summer Reading events at the library and register right from the site!
· Complete “Extra Credit” activities to gain additional rewards while exploring what the library has to offer!
· Read and write book reviews of the books you read.
· Explore book lists and create a “wish list” of things you’d like to read in the future.
Getting Started:
1. Go to the Library’s Beanstack URL:
http://merrimacklibrary.beanstack.org.
2. The homepage will show you the available reading programs at the library. Choose the one that is right for you—Early Literacy, Children’s, Teen, or Adult. *Tip* Multiple readers can be added to the same account, even if they are registered for different programs.
3. Decide who will be the “Account Creator” - meaning that person’s sign-in information will be used to access all accounts registered. *Example* If a parent wishes to sign a child up for a reading program, they may make the child the “Account Creator” and register themselves for the Adult program as a “Reader” OR the parent may sign up for the Adult program as the “Account Creator” and add children as “Readers”. Both the “Account Creator” and “Reader” will use the same sign-in information.
*Tip* If you participated last summer, you probably already have an account! Try signing in with your same account information!
4. Account Creator: Select the green “Register” button. Your first name, last name, year of birth (necessary due to age restrictions for programs), and a password are required for registration.
5. Once the Account Creator selects the “Next” button, Beanstack will ask if you would like to register another adult (select ‘yes’ or ‘no’) and then whether you would like to register another child (select ‘yes’ or ‘no’).
6. A green band at the bottom of the screen will alert you that you are successfully registered.
Now you’re ready start exploring Beanstack!
Getting to Know the Program:
At the top of the page you will see several links.
- Programs: shows current and upcoming programs available for the Reader (based on age).
- Badges: shows badges when you have completed achievements in a program.
- Recommendations: shows events, book lists, and Extra Credits available for the programs.
- Reviews: shows the reviews that you and other readers from our library have written.
- Wish List: shows books the Reader would like to read which are added from book lists.
- The Log: shows what books (number of books/minutes, title, and author) the Reader has logged.
- Switch Readers: Allows for easy switching between all Reader’s accounts.
- Personalize: Edit information, email notifications, or deactivate a reader’s account.
Logging Books/Minutes:
At the top of each Reader’s account, there is a green “Add to the Log” button.
1. Click on the button when you are ready to log reading or activities. A window will open to allow you to log.
2. If an account has more than one Reader, the first question will ask which account you wish to log under. Choose the appropriate Reader’s account. Then choose whether you are logging reading or an activity.
3. Write the title and author of the book and decide if you want to write a review (Writing 3 reviews is necessary for completion of the Adult Summer Reading Challenge).
4. Click the green “Log” button and watch for the green band at the bottom of the screen for successful logging.*Make sure you only hit the “Log” button ONCE! The logging window remains open after you log your book. If you are unsure whether it logged successfully, close the window and click on “The Log” button at the top of the screen, under your name.
Prizes:
To see available prizes for each program, click on the “Program” link at the top of the screen. A green bar near the top will show what percentage of the program has been completed.
1. Scroll down until you see the heading “Logging Badges”. Under that you will see how many books have been logged and the available badges that can or have already been earned.
2. Each badge starts as a black and white image and turns colored once the badge is earned. The requirements for earning the badge are underneath the badge. A star on the right side of the badge means it is necessary for completing the program. A trophy on the right side of the badge indicates that there is a prize attached to the badge. Hover over the trophy icon to see what you will win.
3.Redeeming Prizes—In order for prizes to be redeemed, you must call or visit the library. Raffle tickets are virtual, but physical prizes can only be redeemed in person.
Book Lists are lists curated by librarians here at Merrimack for your enjoyment. You can find them by clicking on “Recommendations” at the top of your screen. Hopefully they will give you some ideas for reading or encourage you to try something new! You can click on the “Add to Wish List” to save books you wish to read later. Clicking on the title at the bottom will take you to the catalog to request the book.
Book Reviews can be written by anyone with an account. If you wish to write a review, you must do so when you log the book.
When you are adding to the log, write the title and author and then click “Write a Review”. Reviews are seen by everyone using Beanstack, but nothing more than your first name and last initial will be seen (*If you wish for your last initial to be removed, your account can be edited to remove your last name).
If you have any questions, please contact the library and we will be happy to assist you!
Children’s Accounts:
Phone: (603) 424-5021 Ext. 105
Email: youthservices@merrimacklibrary.org
Adult Accounts:
Phone: (603) 424-5021
Email: merrimackpl@merrimacklibrary.org
Thank you for exploring Beanstack!