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Maria Torres · Union County Life
The Rush to Register
More than 300 students signed up before the last day of school even arrived.
That's what happened when Westfield Memorial Library announced "Unearth a Story," its 2026 Summer Reading Program, on June 22. The response was immediate. Kids knew what they wanted: dinosaurs, discovery, and adventure—exactly what this program delivers.
"Every great discovery starts with a little digging," the library wrote in announcing the program. "This summer, we're inviting readers of all ages to pick up a book and unearth something extraordinary."
How It Works
The program is free for Westfield library cardholders from birth through entering grade 12. It's organized into three age groups, each with its own reading challenge and prizes:
Little Listeners (birth through pre-readers): Track books read
Kids (readers through entering grade 5): Log reading time in minutes
Teens (entering grades 6 through 12): Log reading time in minutes
The more your child reads, the more prizes they earn.
Registration is easy. You can sign up in person at the library, online at wmlnj.beanstack.org, or through the free Beanstack app (available on the App Store or Google Play). The library tracks everything for you—no spreadsheets, no complicated tracking. Just read and watch the minutes add up.
The Main Events
Two special events anchor the summer schedule:
Dino Academy — Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m.
Bright Star Theatre brings the prehistoric world to life through science, storytelling, and life-like dinosaur puppets, led by the character Dr. Sarah Tops. If your kid has ever wanted to learn about dinosaurs from someone who talks like a paleontologist, this is it.
Mad Science: "Explore Lost Worlds" — Thursday, July 23 at 4 p.m.
Mad Science presents "Explore Lost Worlds: The Science of Archaeology, Paleontology, and Dinosaurs." Participants practice real archaeological and paleontological techniques—it's hands-on, not just watching.
Additional programs for all ages are scheduled throughout the summer. Check the full calendar at wmlnj.org.
Who Made This Possible
The program is supported by lead sponsors Tutu School Westfield and Tiffany Natural Pharmacy, and supporting sponsor The Baked Bear Westfield. Community sponsorship is how programs like this stay free.
FAQ
Q: What is the Westfield library's summer reading program?
"Unearth a Story" is a free summer reading program for Westfield library cardholders from birth through entering grade 12. It's themed around dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology. Participants earn prizes based on how much they read.
Q: Is it really free?
Yes. The program is completely free for Westfield library cardholders, made possible by sponsor support.
Q: How do I register my child?
Register in person at the library (550 E. Broad Street), online at wmlnj.beanstack.org, or through the free Beanstack app on the App Store or Google Play.
Q: What events are happening as part of the program?
Dino Academy from Bright Star Theatre performs July 18 at 10 a.m., featuring science, storytelling, and life-like dinosaur puppets. Mad Science presents "Explore Lost Worlds" on July 23 at 4 p.m., where kids learn real archaeological and paleontological techniques. Additional programs are listed at wmlnj.org.
Q: My kid is a voracious reader. Will they earn more prizes?
Yes. The more your child reads (measured by books for Little Listeners, minutes for older kids), the more prizes they earn. There's no reading limit.
Q: When does the program end?
The program runs through summer. Check wmlnj.org for the complete calendar and end date.
