Celebrate America's 250th birthday in 2026 with the library in the best way we know how - by reading! Read a book that matches our America 250 theme every month and earn a virtual Beanstack badge.
If you prefer a paper log, visit any participating branch library to pick up an America 250 bookmark and commemorative sticker to mark your journey as you read along with us this year.
Fill up your Beanstack challenge with badges or your paper log with stickers and earn a commemorative prize at the end of the year.
Each month, log into your account on Beanstack for the release of the new theme. Also visit this webpage for the new theme and reading recommendations.
America 250 Reading Recommendations
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A promised land
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Becoming
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The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood
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The sweetness of water
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Black-owned : the revolutionary life of the Black bookstore
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Carter G. Woodson: History, the Black Press, and Public Relations
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A short history of Black craft in ten objects
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Recipes for change : 12 dishes inspired by a year in Black history
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The Black history of the White House
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Carter G. Woodson : Black history pioneer
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Little legends : exceptional men in black history
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Black history in its own words
Watch 5 movies between January 1 through January 31 to be entered into a grand prize drawing for a movie popcorn basket. One grand prize is available at each branch library location.* **
Watch movies on any platform you desire! Check out DVDs at any branch library location, or Kanawha County residents may get access to library digital streaming services via Kanopy and Hoopla with your library card. Find them here: http://bit.ly/3h1poqF.
Track your progress on Beanstack or pick up a paper log at any branch library location, available starting January 2.
*Participants with home library locations listed as Riverside, Marmet, Glasgow, and the Bookmobile will be entered into one drawing.
**Participants with Nitro as a home library location will not be entered into any drawings.
Many of our branch library locations will have special events, presenters, and book displays to celebrate our challenges. Stop by anytime to check them out! Click here to find our branch library locations and hours.
America 250, Local History Documentary Screening: 'Leon Sullivan - A Principled Man'
In celebration of Black History Month and America 250, we will be holding a special screening of the Motion Masters documentary "Leon Sullivan: A Principled Man", with a special introduction by Diana Sole.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Inclement Weather
All programs are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Katherine Johnson Documentary Screening
In celebration of Black History Month and America 250, we will be holding a special screening of the Motion Masters documentary "Outlier The Katherine Johnson Story", followed by a Q&A with Diana Sole from Motion Masters.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Inclement Weather
All programs are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Come to the Sissonville Library and learn about this famous blues singer!
Disclaimer(s)
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Family STEM: Celebrating Black History Month and WV Native Katherine Johnson
Join us as we read and learn about Katherine Johnson, a West Virginia native whose calculations of orbital mechanics as a NASA employee were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
A reading challenge is a fun way to challenge yourself to read more, or to read books on a new topic that you may not have considered before! Beanstack allows readers to register for challenges available to their age group, log their reading, and track their progress.
Reading challenge themes range from our annual Summer Library Club to Mental Health Awareness Month. Sometimes we even host movie-watching or writing challenges. There’s something for everyone!
Create a Beanstack account and watch the library calendar for challenge announcements. When a challenge is available for your age group, register and track your progress as you go.
