The Whitby Public Library in Whitby, Ontario, launched a new community-wide reading program in 2026, to encourage residents of all ages to read more. The Duck, Duck, Read! challenge allows children, teens, and adults to track their reading progress online to earn rewards and digital badges. This program is part of a larger effort to keep families and students connected to local library services throughout the spring.
Participants use an online system called Beanstack to log the time they spend reading. As readers reach specific goals, they earn virtual badges and raffle tickets that can be entered into drawings for prizes. The library system previously saw a high number of residents participate in similar programs, such as the axolotl-themed challenge in 2025, which led to many people visiting local branches to pick up rewards like stickers and plush toys.
Every minute logged during the challenge counts toward the Million Minute Marathon, which is a town-wide goal to read one million minutes collectively by the end of 2026. This spring reading event runs through June 14, 2026, and is available to all residents at the Central, Brooklin, and Rossland library locations. Residents can sign up and start tracking their books or audiobooks immediately through the library’s reading challenge website.
