What is SummerQuest (SQ)?
SummerQuest is York County Libraries’ version of a summer reading program–but it’s so much more! We offer kids and teens tons of ways to stay active in mind and body all summer long. We host free, fun activities that keep everyone learning, reading, and physically active from June to August. Each year, the theme and special events change.
SummerQuest 2021: Tails & Tales
Health and safety is a priority for us. We all know things have been changing rapidly in recent months. For 2021, we’ve designed lots of programs that can be enjoyed outdoors, on-the-go, or whenever you like!
Our libraries have redesigned their summer activities and events, so there are a range of places you will find our SummerQuest activities. Use this guide to help you find the program or activity you’re looking for!
Get your Library Card
All children participating will need their own library cards to register. Sign up for your card online. Or stop by your local library to apply.
Join the Challenge & Track Your Minutes
Beanstack is a super-useful, super-easy app to record all your activities, events, and reading this summer. To win any of our big prizes, be sure to log your reading minutes!
You can download a printable tracking sheet (coming soon for 2021!) or log your minutes in our digital tracking service, Beanstack.
Minutes can be counted for any of the following activities:
- Reading OR listening to a book, eBook, or audio book
- Attending library programs and events*
- Completing Activities on Beanstack*
- Taking on one of the GO York! walks*
*All of these activities count as 20 minutes each!
Get the App!
Mobile App available for Apple and Android!
Returning Beanstack Users: Your accounts remain active from year to year. Using your login information, you can update your account and register for the current year’s SummerQuest program.
Need help using Beanstack? View our Beanstack Tips and Tricks page for helpful tutorials and guides. Contact your library if you have questions here.
Key Dates
- May 16: Early online registration begins on Beanstack
- June 1: Begin recording minutes & logging GO York Hikes on Beanstack
- June 5: Virtual Kickoff Event
- RSVP Online to receive your Zoom details.
- August 15: Last day to log reading minutes in Beanstack
- August 22: 1pm 800-minute achievers’ parade at York revs game!
- August 27: Last day to log GO York parks online and earn entries into the grand prize drawing
View our SummerQuest 2021 Newspaper
Stream & Attend Events
Our libraries have a wide variety of events planned all summer long! Check out the different programs you can attend both virtually, in-person, or online when you want!
Recurring Events on Zoom
All Zoom events require RSVP. Click the event name to reserve your spot!
- Tuesdays at 10 am: Live Baby & Toddler Time
- Wednesdays at 10am: Mini Chef Mornings (ages 6 and under)
- Wednesdays at 4 pm: Junior Chef Creations (ages 6+)
- Thursdays at 10 am: Special Event & Guests
- Selected Fridays June & July at 10am: Leap into Science
Free Youtube Videos
New Digital Story Times premiere on our YouTube channel each Wednesday! In addition, our libraries will be sharing new videos all summer long.
Make sure to subscribe to our free channel to get notified of new videos!
Prizes
Prizes will be available for pickup all summer long! As you log minutes, you earn new prizes.
You’ll start off with your Registration Prize, which will get you started collecting our specially designed Brag Tags, just the right size to hook on your backpack or hang in your locker! Can you collect all of them this summer?
Raffle Prizes
York County Libraries are offering raffle prizes at each library. Simply log your minutes to be eligible for these prizes!
Get Outdoors York (GO! York!)
We’re partnering with Wellspan Health and GO York! again to get everyone up and moving. GO York! is hiding special carvings in different state, county, and local parks. Participants will get a sheet to collect rubbings of them. You can keep your rubbing sheet this year! Just be sure to log the special code in your Beanstack account to get credit for finishing the hike. The codes are found with the GO York! posts.
Can you collect all 30 before the summer is through? Follow the directions in the GO York booklet to find each rubbing.
After you find a park’s post, be sure to log it in the “GO and Find Your Story” activity challenge on Beanstack to gain more entries into the GO York Grand Prize Drawing!
Thank you to our partners!
Annually, many local businesses donate prizes and offer financial support to York County Libraries’ SummerQuest. They help us encourage kids to keep reading and to stay active over the summer months.
Thank yous are due to the generous support of our Platinum Level Partner, The York Water Company. Additional support is offered by our partners WellSpan Health and The GIANT Company.
Their generous support allows us to offer SummerQuest programs free of cost to participants.