HOURS
​M-W  10:00AM - 6:00PM
Th - Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM

CONTACT RPL
​Phone: (814) 773-7573

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Meet our mascot, Murphy the Elk!

​A Thousand Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide early literacy program that focuses on introducing young children and infants to the world of reading. The Ridgway Public Library developed an individualized program to highlight the area's native animals and attractions to motivate and encourage children. The program's mascot - Murphy the Elk - represents Ridgway's unique local history with the Hyde-Murphy Company and the wild elk herd. Read about Ridgway's local history at the Ridgway Public Library.

Who can participate?
Infants and children birth to 5, or before they enter Kindergarten. This is a local program for residents in Elk County, Pennsylvania, particularly in the Ridgway area. Parents or guardians who want to register their child must have a Ridgway Library Card. Free Library Cards are distributed to residents in Horton Township, Spring Creek Township, Ridgway Borough, and Ridgway Township. Contact the library for more information about getting a library card. 

How do I register?
Registration and participating in the program is easier than ever with the Beanstack App. Download the mobile app on your phone or tablet. You can also access the website through your preference of internet browser. Follow the steps below to get an account for your child:
     1. Download the Beanstack App and search for the Ridgway Free Public Library (PA).  If your on a computer, click here.
     2. The Ridgway Public Library's logo will appear and you will be prompted to login or create an account.
     3. Parents should use their information to create the account. 
     4. Once prompted, add a reader to your account using your child's information. 
     5. Reading challenges will populate based on age of the reader. Toggle between readers on the app to log books for multiple children.  

What if I already have a Beanstack account through the Ridgway Public Library?
Registration is even easier!
1. Login to your account through the Ridgway Public Library's Beanstack Landing Page.
2. If you forgot your password, enter your email or username to reset.
3. Add your child as a reader under your account. Once their reader profile is created, the challenge will populate based on their age (0 - 5). 

What if I don't have a mobile device to use Beanstack?
Please visit the Ridgway Public Library to register your child and get a hard copy of the reading log. 

Who can I contact for help?
Contact Tia at [email protected] or Rachel at [email protected]. 

What types of materials can be logged?
Books
Audiobooks
Vox Books
Ebooks (free with your Ridgway Library Card via the Libby App)​

Can I log the same book multiple times?
Yes. Books can be read repeatedly and logged.

Can books be logged when other people read to my child?
Yes. As long as the book is read entirely. 

How long does the program last?
The earlier you start, the more relaxed and easier the program will be. We encourage you to create a routine and read to your baby or child at least once a day. This program is designed for parents to incorporate reading into your lifestyle, and the length will vary for each family and child. For example:
     1 book a day x 365 days = 365 books/year
     1 book every other day x 182 = 182 books/year
     3 books a day x 365 days = 1095 books/year
Unfortunately, once your child enters Kindergarten, they can no longer participate or win prizes. 

​What are the prizes?
Registration – Welcome Kit
100 Books – Sticker 
200 Books – Sticker 
300 Books – Bookmark 
400 Books – Reading Tracker
500 Books – Midway Prize: "I Love Reading" bag filled with goodies
600 Books – Sticker
700 Books – Sticker 
800 Books – Bookmark 
900 Books – Bookmark 
1,000 Books – Final Prize: Full-size back pack filled with items to prepare for Kindergarten

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Thank you to our Sponsor.
This program was made possible by a grant from the Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Fund (at Elk County Community Foundation). Thank you for supporting the Ridgway Public Library's mission to offer free, educational services to local families!

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