Reading clubs & awards

We have several reading clubs to help engage kids in reading. These are designed to be informal, fun reading experiences and are not regularly scheduled programs held at the library. 

Illinois Children's Choice Reading Award

Encourage children to read books on these lists so that they qualify to vote in the Readers' Choice Award by March 31.  

 

  • The Monarch Award

The library has multiple copies of all the books nominated for the Monarch Readers' Choice Award,  a program designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors, and illustrators.  The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity with K-3rd grade children and to symbolize the growth, change, and freedom that becoming a reader brings.  All children can participate in voting for this award, regardless of age or if they have voted before by reading or listening to at least ten of the books.  Keep track of the books you are reading from the Monarch List and look for the ballots at the library.  Receive a free copy of a nominated book if you read all of the Monarch books by March 31 and return your ballot to the library.

  • THE BLUESTEM AWARD

The Bluestem Award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles. Named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass, the list of nominees includes both timeless classics and current titles, as well as books that have appeared on Monarch and Rebecca Caudill lists.  Our Bluestem Readers ' Choice voting is open for all children regardless of age.  The only requirement is that a child has to read or listen to at least four titles from the Bluestem List.  The ballot will be available at the beginning of the school year to keep track of the books read and to eventually vote on the one the student likes best.  If you read or listen to 10 of the titles and vote by March 31, you will receive a copy of a 2025 nominated book from the Bluestem List

  •  Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award for grades 4 - 8

The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition for her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books which have touched the hearts of many children and young adults. Any student can vote on the Caudill titles by March 31, if you have read or listened to three of them.  If you read or listen to ten of the books you will receive a copy of a 2025 nominated book.   The ballot will be available at the beginning of the school year to keep track of the books read and to eventually vote on the one the student likes best.

1KB4K: Reading to a Thousand!

Come to the second floor today and pick up your log to start your child's goal of reading a thousand books before Kindergarten. As you and your child get through all of those books, you will get a sticker for every 100 books you complete.  When the child gets to 1000 books read, so 20 stickers are filled out, he or she gets a special prize!

 

BOOK LISTS

Below are lists of books based on genre.  These are great resources to help your child find all types of books.

Beginning Readers: Preschool–Grade 2

Independent Readers: Grades 2–8