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What's the reading program all about?

Payson City Library's Reading Program is an educational online reading program for all ages! This year’s theme is “Smokey the Bear's 80th Birthday” The program runs from August 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024 and aims to help maintain and improve literacy skills while learning new things in a fun and exciting way.

Parents can also use this opportunity to teach computer and internet skills to their children in a fun, safe and responsible way.

It is strongly encouraged to let your children enter their own achievements and see the badges they are earning as it happens.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up online at http://payson.readsquared.com at any point during the reading program. You can also download the app, ReadSquared. The earlier you sign up, the more time you will have to read and earn more prizes!

Programs

We are offering one program for all age groups during this Reading Program.

  • Little Ones (Ages 0-4)
  • Kids (Ages 5-8)
  • Tweens (Ages 9-12)
  • Teens (Ages 13-17)
  • Adults (Ages 18+)

If you have a birthday during the program, please use the age you will be turning to determine which program to signup for. You cannot change which age group you are in during the program.

How does it work?

Participants earn points as they read, and after a certain amount of points have been achieved, they level up. Get one point for every minute you read.

Reading

All Programs:

  • Read at least 20-40 minutes a day
  • 1 minute read = 1 point
  • Level 1 will trigger at 250 points
  • Read until you reach level 6 at 1500 points
  • Earn prizes as you read
  • Earn raffle tickets as you earn points

Ways to Complete the Reading Program

There’s something for everyone in our reading program—you can read to earn points, take on missions, earn badges, find secret codes, attend events and get prizes.

Easy

  • Read books to earn points
  • Collect your prizes at the library as you earn them
  • Plant a Tree at the library by putting your name on a tree for each 250 minutes you read
  • Enter raffle drawings with points you earned

Normal

  • Read books to earn points
  • Collect your prizes at the library as you earn them
  • Plant a Tree at the library by putting your name on a tree for each 250 minutes you read
  • Become a Smokey the Bear Advocate by reading 1500 minutes
  • Enter raffle drawings with points you earned

Advanced

  • Read books to earn points
  • Collect your prizes at the library as you earn them
  • Plant a Tree at the library by putting your name on a tree for each 250 minutes you read
  • Become a Smokey the Bear Advocate by reading 1500 minutes
  • Enter raffle drawings with points you earned
  • Find secret codes to earn more points, and if you find all 24, earn another prize!

What are digital badges?

Badges are in-game marks of achievement—there are many badges just waiting to be unlocked! You can earn badges by entering minutes into your reading log, completing challenges, or, by entering secret codes given out at library events.

What are Family accounts?

Family accounts allow one person to manage multiple accounts using a single username and password.

How do I log my reading?

The reading log is located in the center of your dashboard. Enter the number of minutes you have read and click “Submit.” You can also track your reading by entering the minutes read plus the title and author of the book.

How do I get a secret code?

Secret codes are hidden at the library. Enter your secret code in the Secret Code or Event Code box on your dashboard.

All secret codes are in lowercase with no spaces.

How do I earn prizes?

Tracking: Track your minutes read to earn points.

Secret Codes: Find secret codes to enter and earn a prize if you find them all.

Badges: Badges are unlocked by logging your minutes, completing challenges and entering secret codes.

Missions: Missions are designed to make you think outside the box and experience something you wouldn't have otherwise experienced. Complete missions by reading books, completing on or off-site actions or watching YouTube videos to earn badges and points.

I’ve reached Level 5. Now what?

Once you reach Level 5 there is still more to do. You can continue to complete missions and enter secret codes.

What do you do with my info?

The library will never share your personal information—privacy and confidentiality is essential to the library and the Reading Program. We will only use your name and contact info to alert you about important reading program updates.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Once you are logged in, under "Account" click “Contact Us” to ask your question. Or you can always stop by the library and ask us in person or give us a call.