Our query was how to have a successful Adult Summer Reading Challenge online. By teaming up with five local libraries, we were able to encourage patrons to read at home and get involved. BPL participants were encouraged to play along at home with Beanstack, participate in virtual Author Talks across five communities, watch the broadcast on cable or online and vote for who they believed should win.

When libraries were closed we had no concept of how to run an Adult Summer Reading Challenge virtually. This program allowed us to promote our online collection, encourage curbside pickup and encourage patrons to participate in reading challenges using new technology and tools. We were able to provide three new platforms for patron engagement: Niche Academy, Zoom and Beanstack. By utilizing multiple platforms, patrons were able to participate at their own pace and choose the platform they wished to engage with.

Fifty five people participated in Simcoe Reads Beanstack challenge, and 36 patrons attended the online Author Talk. Over 200 patrons voted for the Simcoe Reads Community Choice winner. The positive response indicates that patrons were engaged virtually. As libraries are able to re-open in the future, our Zoom and Niche Academy platform will allow patrons to participate across the region and attend events they may not have been able to in person.