Reading on Common Ground: A Semiquincentennial Beanstack Challenge

Celebrate 250 years of American history with Laramie County Library System through Reading on Common Ground: A Semiquincentennial Beanstack Challenge—an all-ages reading challenge designed for children, teens, adults, and families to enjoy together. Running February 2 through July 4, 2026, this challenge invites readers of every generation to explore history, place, and shared stories as part of our Common Ground celebration.

A Reading Challenge for Every Age

Using a flexible, bingo-style format, participants can complete one row, several rows, or aim for a full blackout by earning reading badges along the way. A prize is available when you complete your first bingo, with an additional prize for readers who achieve a full blackout.

Whether you’re reading picture books, novels, nonfiction, or listening to audiobooks, this challenge is designed to meet you where you are—and to encourage shared discovery across generations.

Bingo Card Highlights

Your bingo card combines reading milestones, historical themes, and community experiences, including:

• Read 250 minutes (for 250 years)
• Read 1,776 minutes
• Read 2,026 minutes
  • Read 50 hours (3,000 minutes) for the 50 states
  • Read a book set in:
  • the 1700s
  • the 1800s
  • the 1900s
  • the 2000s
  • before the 1700s
  • the future
• Read a Wyoming or Western history book
• Read a Native American story (fiction or nonfiction, or by a Native author)
• Read a book by a Wyoming author or set in Wyoming (look for WYO stickers)
• Attend a semiquincentennial library event
• Attend a semiquincentennial community event
• Visit a museum

How It Works

• Challenge dates: February 2–July 4, 2026
• Prize pickup begins: Monday, February 16
• Who can participate: All ages
• Sign up: Beginning February 2 through Beanstack

Need help getting started? Call 307-634-3561 for assistance creating a Beanstack account or ask a librarian for reading suggestions and curated lists to help you begin.

Sign up and join readers across Laramie County in celebrating 250 years of stories, history, and connection—on Common Ground.