The Des Moines Public Library is Bringing Back Reading Books for Pizza

Remember the days when you were rewarded for reading books with free pizza? If that question conjuries up some childhood memories, you’re not alone. You were rewarded for reading with pizza as a kid — so why not as an adult, too?

The Des Moines Public Library 30x30 Challenge is back again for another year. The concept is simple — read 30 minutes a day for all 30 days in November, and you’ll be eligible for a drawing to win free pizzas from the newly reopened, Gusto Pizza Bar at the end of the month.

“We want to give people a fun way to make reading a part of their daily routine, and what better way to do that than bringing back the nostalgia of childhood reading programs to win pizza?" said Tim Paluch, Marketing and Communications Supervisor.

Taking Part in the 30x30 Challenge is Easy:

1. Hit the “Register Now” button above to head to our Beanstack page.
2. Sign up for the 30x30 Challenge (you’ll be asked to create a free Beanstack account if you don’t have one yet. It takes just a couple minutes!)
3. You can pre-register for the 30x30 Contest before November 1! Be sure to hit the "pre-register" button on the app or page.
4. When you finish reading each day, mark that day as completed on your Beanstack reading log.
5. Pro-tip: Download the Beanstack App (IOS, Android) for easy tracking on the go.

Now That You’re Registered What Do You Do Next?

All you need to start the 30x30 Challenge is a book to read. It’s really that simple. Stop by Central Library downtown or any of the six Des Moines Public Library locations to browse for titles. You can also check out an audiobook or eBook on Libby. Listening to an audiobook for 30 minutes does count for the challenge.

As the holiday season starts readers do get busy. If you need to, you can play catch up if you fall behind. You just need to make sure to mark your 30-minute increments on the digital reading log! Participants can also print a reading log to help you keep track of where you’re at when you visit the 30x30 Challenge website. To be eligible for the pizza drawing, you will have to complete the digital log on the Beanstack app.

Anyone who completes the challenge by Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, will be eligible for the drawing, and winners will be notified the first full week of December.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.