Stampworthy Challenge at KDL inspires reading, discovery beyond books 

From stargazing binoculars and metal detectors to Mahjong sets and silent disco kits, the Kent District Library (KDL) offers a lot more than just books.

The library’s new Stampworthy Challenge encourages visitors to explore all 20 branches across Kent County and see what’s waiting for them.

The program, which started earlier this year, gives rewards to people who check out at least five physical items each time they visit. Every qualifying trip earns a stamp on a special card, and after five stamps, participants are entered to win prizes from local businesses.

At KDL’s Caledonia Branch, the challenge has been a big hit with both readers and staff.

“The Stampworthy challenge is going very well at the Caledonia branch,” says Shelby Toren, branch librarian. “Patrons are so excited to get their cards stamped, and the staff here are equally excited to stamp them.”

Toren says many people enjoy the old-fashioned feel of the stamped cards, which remind them of the days before digital checkouts.

“Everyone loves a chance to win prizes,” Toren says. “But beyond that, people like having a goal. It’s fun to get a new stamp, and I hope it makes them excited to come back for the next one.”

Broadening perspectives

The program not only encourages people to borrow more items but also motivates them to try new types of books.

“I’ve seen more magazines being checked out as people try to reach that five-item goal,” Toren says. “They’re discovering that magazines are a great way to fit a little more reading into their day.”

One of the initiative’s goals is to motivate patrons to read more broadly, and that, Toren says, comes with lasting benefits.

“Reading a variety of books allows you to discover new interests, exposes you to new perspectives, and can even expand your vocabulary,” she says. “It helps prevent burnout, too, when you switch up what you read.”

At the Caledonia Branch, patrons are exploring KDL’s Beyond Books Collection. From trekking poles to yarn winders and video games, the offerings show how libraries are adapting to the interests and lifestyles of today’s users.

“Our video game collection is very popular, but it’s fun to see people discovering all the other things we offer,” Toren says.

Behind the fun and sense of nostalgia is a carefully planned idea. Stampworthy was created by Josh Mosey, KDL’s digital marketing strategist, after the library’s board asked the staff to find ways to boost checkouts of physical items.

“Our digital collection is amazing and needs no help getting used, but digital checkouts are actually more expensive per use than physical ones,” Mosey says. “If we can encourage people to use the physical collection more often, it benefits everyone.

Sheri Glon, KDL’s data coordinator, analyzed checkout patterns. She found that the average patron borrowed four physical items per visit. Based on that insight shared in this KDL blog, Mosey designed Stampworthy to give patrons a nudge to try to check out more items. 

“We developed Stampworthy to encourage just one more, an incremental increase that adds up,” Mosey says.

Business partners

Mosey reached out to local businesses to collaborate. The response, he says, was enthusiastic and rewarding. 

“Collaborating with other organizations and businesses is a way to increase the reach of both,” he says. “Hall Street Bakery signed on first, followed by Deep Roots Produce, Archival Brewing, and Littlefoot Coffee Roasters. Plus, KDL itself contributes gift certificates to our ShopKDL.org online store.”

He highlights Deep Roots Produce, a nearby farm and market that’s become one of KDL’s featured partners. 

“They’re a perfect stop on an autumn tour — cider, donuts, a corn maze, a petting zoo,” Mosey says. “We love being able to highlight local places that have free, family-friendly experiences year-round.”

Opportunity to explore

Beyond increasing circulation, the challenge promotes lifelong learning. Mosey points to research from Wichita State University showing that readers who explored genres outside their preferences improved their comprehension and motivation.

“It’s fun to explore new things because you never know what you might find,” Mosey says. “And at the library, even if you check out a dud, you haven’t actually lost any money. I can’t think of a lower risk with higher rewards than that.”

The Caledonia Branch has seen families checking out not only novels and picture books but movies, records, board games, and equipment from the Beyond Books Collection.

Mosey says he recently borrowed a pair of hiking poles from the collection before a camping trip and was surprised by the difference they made.

“Now I’m looking to buy my own before the next one,” he says.

KDL plans to continue to expand its Beyond Books Collection. Alongside leisure items like metal detectors and knitting tools, KDL recently added new accessibility-focused tools to support readers of all abilities, including adjustable bookstands with built-in lights, OrCam MyEye glasses (a wearable assistive device for the blind and visually impaired), handheld reading devices, and reading pens.

“These are things that make reading more accessible for everyone,” Mosey says. “At the same time, we also have items that are just plain fun, like the silent disco kit with 50 wireless headphones so people can throw a dance party without worrying about the noise.”

Toren and Mosey agree that Stampworthy is more than just a contest. One of the program’s goals is to bring people together through shared experiences, curiosity, and community partnerships, while reminding everyone that the library is a place for learning and connection.

“Libraries have always been about access and opportunity,” Toren says. “Stampworthy just gives people another reason to rediscover that and to come back for more.”

Photos by Tommy Allen

Literacy Matters is a series focused on the importance of knowledge, community resources seeking to remove barriers to access, and the value of our library systems to society. Literacy Matters is supported by Kent District Library.

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