The Power Of Friendship: The Power of Friendship has been one of the most cheesy solutions to conflict in literature and film alike, but there is a reason why it works. Author C. S. Lewis described it well: “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” It’s easy to find the power of friendship cringe-worthy, but when you take the time to read the story of how it got so powerful, you might just find it a little less crazy. This Beanstack challenges you to read 3 books that use the power of friendship in any way, whether it be moral support or something a little bit bigger. While reading, you will also have the optional tasks to grow your own friendships. It’s the hope of this challenge to not only grow and strengthen your own inner circle, but also gain some valuable insight along the way.

2025 Reading Selection

April - The Women by Kristin Hannah
May - The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
June - That Librarian by Amanda Jones
July - The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
August - James by Percival Everett
September - Connie by Connie Chung
October - First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

To complete the challenge, you must read all titles for each month

Please add reviews for each title for the Adult Services Assistant to share with the book club members. It will also help us in preparing a reading list for 2026. Consider joining our Well-Read Group on Goodreads to share reviews, join discussions, and connect with other readers. Follow the link http://tinyurl.com/MUTPL-Goodreads *Check the calendar to ensure dates. There may be a Friday that isn't the first Friday of the month.

Not every monster is scary and dark! Think of Grover, Cookie Monster, Mike and Sulley! We are giving away three extra large monster puppets for grand prizes! And the end of summer should be just as fun as the beginning! Read 10 books in 7 weeks for a completion prize! Read up to 30 books for more tickets!

Coming Soon!

We have a variety of ongoing challenges for kids from newborn through graduation.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

The Monticello-Union Township Public Library is pleased to present 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, an early literacy reading book club at the library. This program encourages parents/adults to read to children from birth to age 5. Studies have shown that if you read 1,000 books to a child before school, it will mentally prepare them for school. FUN FACT! You don't have to read 1,000 different books in fact the studies show that it is the interaction between you, them and the books that makes the difference. So count that favorite bedtime book with a ditto!

For every 100 books read, kids will recieve a small prize and a keychain charm. If interested, please stop by the children's department to get a reading log or use the Beanstack app to join. Then check out some books and start working your way to 1,000!

1000 Books Before Third Grade -

This challenge is for the Pre-K kids through 2nd grade.

Prizes for every 100 books the kids read.

500 Books Before Middle School -

This challenge is for 3rd grade through 5th grade.

Prizes for every 100 books.

400 Books Before High School -

6th grade to 8th grades can keep reading with prizes for each 100 books.

100 Before Graduation -

Keep a great reading habit going by reading towards graduation.

Prizes for each 10 books.

If you are new to Beanstack or just want to learn more, visit the Beanstack Help Page and learn how to access the new app.