When it comes to reading challenges, a little incentive can go a long way. Rewards don’t just spark excitement—they help readers of all ages associate reading with joy, pride, and accomplishment.
In fact, Beanstack data shows that challenges offering one or two incentives see participation rise by over 12%. Offering three or more rewards boosts engagement by 26% or more. Whether it’s a beanie for signing up, a tote bag for completing a challenge, or a grand prize drawing that has everyone buzzing, thoughtful rewards make reading even more rewarding.
Why Rewards Work: Encouraging Positive Reading Habits
Rewards help transform reading from a chore into a fun challenge. They build a sense of achievement, encourage consistency, and foster a deeper connection between readers and their library or school.
When rewards are meaningful, inclusive, and accessible, they reinforce intrinsic motivation, helping readers feel proud of their progress rather than reading solely for a prize. The right rewards can align with broader educational goals, from Title I literacy initiatives to community-wide summer reading programs.
A strong rewards strategy is more than just handing out goodies; it’s about cultivating a lifelong love of reading.
Types of Rewards to Include in Your Reading Challenges
Personalized Rewards
Sometimes, the smallest tokens carry the biggest impact. Personalized or milestone-based prizes make readers feel seen and celebrated.
- Custom bookmarks or library-branded swag like beanies and umbrellas
- “Reader badges” or collectible keychains
- DIY bracelets or Read-to-Bead systems, where each milestone earns a colorful bead
- Digital badges or achievement certificates within Beanstack
Experience-Based Rewards
Give your readers experiences they’ll remember long after the challenge ends.
- “Lunch in the Library” or “Librarian for a Day” (a hit with school readers!)
- Exclusive author chats or themed reading parties
- Surprise “Golden Ticket” events for challenge finishers
Community-Involved Rewards
Involving local partners makes your challenge a community celebration.
- Discounts or freebies from local cafés, bookstores, theaters, or recreation centers
- Sponsored prizes such as bikes, zoo passes, or museum tickets
- Group goals like “slime the librarian” when the community reaches a collective reading milestone
Low-Cost, High-Fun Rewards
You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact.
- Slime kits, bubble wands, snack packs, or Croc charms
- Brag tags, movie passes, or fun stationery
- Tote bags, stickers, or even small plants to nurture alongside their books
These little rewards add joy and surprise without stretching limited resources.
Real-World Inspiration: How Libraries Are Rewarding Readers
Libraries and schools using Beanstack have found countless creative ways to inspire participation:
- Orange County Library System (FL) hosted a summer celebration for all challenge finishers and gave away custom totes—always a reader favorite.
- Nashua Public Library (NH) launched a “Read to Bead” challenge, in which readers earned beads for each milestone. It was simple, fun, and incredibly engaging.
- Enoch Pratt Free Library (MD) distributed books and T-shirts throughout the summer to help families build home libraries, making the reward itself a literacy tool.
- Guadalupe Centers Middle School (MO) turned its “Aztecs Read” challenge into a culture-building event, offering fun incentives and community recognition.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our social channels, where libraries nationwide share inventive prize and reward ideas year-round.
The Excitement of Tickets and Drawings
Drawings and raffles keep the anticipation high and participation steady. Beanstack’s flexible system enables readers to earn tickets for milestones and select which prizes to enter, fostering ownership and excitement in the process.
Here are just a few ways libraries have made it work:
- The Cobb County Public Library (GA) awarded camping kits to tie in with the "Adventure Awaits" summer reading theme.
- Ventura County Library (CA) gave away Disneyland tickets at each branch as a grand prize.
- Hawaii State Public Library drew one lucky winner from more than 16,000 participants for four round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets!
From small snack baskets to life-changing experiences, ticket drawings create motivation and fairness while keeping every reader engaged.
Recognize and Celebrate Your Readers (and Staff!)
Not all rewards have to come in the form of prizes. Sometimes, the most meaningful recognition is public appreciation.
- Post top reader shoutouts on your website or social media.
- Create a “Reader Wall” or handprint mural where young participants can leave their mark to celebrate milestones, such as reaching the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten goal.
- Host small recognition ceremonies or celebrate weekly achievements with bulletin board callouts.
And don’t forget your staff! Their energy drives every successful reading challenge. Recognize their hard work with:
- Gift cards to local coffee shops
- Extra lunch breaks or a bonus PTO day
- Custom tumblers or water bottles featuring library branding
When staff feel appreciated, it radiates back to the readers they serve.
Designing a Winning Rewards Strategy
Whether you’re planning a summer reading program or a school-wide literacy challenge, a well-balanced rewards strategy can make all the difference.
- Align rewards with your goals: Choose prizes that support lifelong reading, not just one-time participation.
- Involve readers: Let participants vote or submit ideas for prizes to increase investment and excitement.
- Keep it fair and accessible: Offer a variety of rewards—small, large, and recognition-based—so every reader feels they can succeed.
- Streamline the process: Tools like Beanstack make it easy to track, manage, and celebrate reward redemptions.
Creating Lasting Motivation Through Thoughtful Rewards
Rewards and drawings are about more than prizes—they’re about connection, celebration, and community. When readers feel recognized, valued, and part of something bigger, motivation follows naturally.
Whether your library’s reward is a bookmark, a badge, or a trip to Disneyland, the actual prize is the love of reading that continues to grow long after the challenge ends.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our recent Beanstack EDU session, All Things Incentives, to learn how Beanstack can streamline the reward redemption process and fun prize ideas your community will love.