Berks County Public Library System Launches Library Passport Challenge for Fall 2024

Written by Emily Kenniston.

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​Whether you love the season or hate it, there’s no debating that Summer 2024 is officially drawing to a close. For many, summer is a season of relaxation and vacations; of stamped passports and exploring new places–but for others, summer’s end can mean the disappointment that comes from not having had the time or the funds to dust off the ‘ole passport.

If you fall into the latter category, the Berks County Public Libraries System has planned something very special to bring a sense of fun and adventure to exploring places in our own backyards–a Library Passport Challenge, which launches officially on September 1st, and will run through November 30th.

​September is known nationally as Library Card Sign-up Month, where libraries across the nation encourage individuals who don’t have their own library cards to sign up for one.

Emily Orischak, Community Relations Coordinator for Berks County Public Libraries, shared that the Library System is adding some extra excitement for library cardholders–each individual who signs up for a library card, or is an existing Berks County Public Libraries patron, can pick up a library passport booklet from a System library location to participate in this countywide challenge. “We are encouraging [patrons] to get a library card, then travel and visit different libraries in the System,” she said. “We want them to see that they can get different benefits from visiting different libraries, and we want to broaden people’s awareness that their BCPL library card can be used at other locations in Berks County.”

​In order to participate in the Library Passport Challenge, patrons can pick up their own passport booklet at any participating library location. “They will receive a “stamp” in their booklet when their card is scanned at each location,” shared Ms. Orischak, noting that there are no book checkout or financial obligations for anyone participating in this challenge. “We have 4 branches [of the Berks County Public Libraries System], with 19 primary locations…. there are a number of places that we want people to connect with.”

​The Library Passport Challenge is broken down into tiers, with a specific set of rules–and prizes!–into which participants can be entered to win. “[The rules] are outlined on the passport,” Ms. Orischak said, and we have chosen to include them here as well, along with a direct link to the on the Berks County Public Libraries website (berkslibraries.org/passport-challenge):

Prize Ticket Tier Levels

  • 5 primary library locations = one regular entry ticket
  • 10 primary library locations = one regular entry ticket
  • 15 primary library locations = one regular entry ticket
  • 4 branch library locations = one regular entry ticket

Visit all 19 primary library locations = one grand prize entry ticket

​The prize selections include a $75 gift card to the Hamburg Strand Theatre, a $75 gift card to The Works in Wyomissing, a $75 gift card to The Ironstone in Boyertown, and a Grand Prize $400 Target Gift Card. The best part? Participants can choose which gift card prize they wish to enter their regular raffle ticket!

One thing to note–make sure to hold onto your passport booklet! “Don’t lose it!” laughed Ms. Orischak. “Ticket entries are received by keeping track of different locations visited–if you lose your booklet, you would have to start from scratch.” She also mentioned the importance of checking ahead to make sure that you plan your visit around each individual library’s operating hours, which can be found here: berkslibraries.org/find-a-library

The 2024 Library Passport Challenge is designed to be a fun and engaging way to introduce readers of all ages to the many different and exciting things that the various libraries which make up the Berks County Public Library system have to offer. “The purpose of this challenge is to show people that [these different] locations exist and to encourage them to get a library card!” said Ms. Orischak, who noted that there really is something for everyone due to the many unique locations encompassed by System libraries.

​For more information regarding Berks County Public Libraries, please visit berkslibraries.org

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Sponsored by Berks County Public Library System
The Berks County Public Library System is a department of the County of Berks, serving 411,442 county residents across 866 square miles and 72 municipalities since 1986. Through the support of the Berks County commissioners, BCPL staff aids in strengthening the Berks County community by providing centralized support for the 19 full-service member libraries and four branches.