Volusia Reads Online
Volusia Reads: Adult Online Book Club
Volusia County Public Library has partnered with PBC Guru and Freading to create a virtual book club for patrons and the community.
The book for January - March, 2025 is The Invincible Miss Cust by Penny Haw
Must-read historical fiction for fans of Marie Benedict and Tracey Enerson Wood, based on the real life of Britain and Ireland's first woman veterinary surgeon.
Aleen Cust has big dreams and no one―not her family, society, or the law―will stop her.
Born in Ireland in 1868 to an aristocratic English family, Aleen knows she is destined to work with animals, even if her family is appalled by the idea of a woman pursuing a veterinary career. Going against their wishes but with the encouragement of the guardian assigned to her upon her father's death, Aleen attends the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, enrolling as A. I. Custance to spare her family the humiliation they fear. At last, she is on her way to becoming a veterinary surgeon! Little does she know her biggest obstacles lie ahead.
The Invincible Miss Cust is based on the real life of Aleen Isabel Cust, who defied her family and society to become Britain and Ireland's first woman veterinary surgeon. Through Penny Haw's meticulous research, riveting storytelling, and elegant prose, Aleen's story of ambition, determination, family, friendship, and passion comes to life. It is a story that, even today, women will recognize, of battling patriarchy and an unequal society to realize one's dreams and pave the way for other women in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
It's always available for download from Freading.
How to use Freading on a computer/laptop
How to use Freading on a mobile device
Volusia Reads: Virtual Reading Challenges
Participate in the library’s virtual, seasonal reading challenges throughout the year using Beanstack! Kids, teens, and adults can track their reading and participate in fun activities -earning digital badges and incentives along the way.
What is Beanstack?
· Beanstack is a website and app that promotes reading through various challenges and activities. Track reading and earn digital badges and incentives from completing challenges!
Reading Challenges and Personalized Recommendations
Can you register multiple readers on an account?
· Yes, set up as many profiles as needed for readers of any age! This feature is great for families, schools, or other groups. Easily log reading for multiple profiles at one time.
Is there an app?
· Beanstack is available on all mobile devices. Download on the Apple Store or on the Google Play Store.
How do I join a Reading Challenge?
· Once registered, available challenges will be in your account. Simply click a challenge to join, read, and start logging!
Check out the current challenges below!
1000 Books Before Kindergarten™ Program Reading Challenge
1000 Books Before Kindergarten™ is a self-paced, early literacy program for children ages 0-6 designed to increase vocabulary, build reading confidence and promote pre-reading skills necessary for kindergarten. Register and track your reading online or by visiting any Volusia County Public Library branch.
Reading Challenges and Personalized Recommendations
Volusia Library Reads: Electronic Newsletters
The library offers a variety of electronic newsletter options delivered to your email. Subscribe now to receive a variety of reading recommendations.
LibraryAware - Subscribe (next reads)
LibraryAware - Subscribe Youth Newsletters
Subscribe to the library's 1000 books newsletter.
Scholastic Bookflix
Our newest resource pairs fiction and nonfiction eBooks for children (PreK through Grade 3).
Animated classic storybooks introduce early learners to the delights of reading while sparking curiosity, creating a natural springboard into the paired nonfiction text for deeper discovery.
Storytime @ the Museum
Storytime @ the Museum is an interactive literacy program designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers visiting the museum.
Children and caregivers are introduced to a wide variety of introductory literacy skills through stories, rhymes, and some motor activities; in a fun, learning environment.
Themes are specifically designed to be relatable to exhibits that may be within the museum.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences is located at 352 S Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
Click here for dates and times.
Lit Kit
Lit Kit include library books, activities, and other educational materials. Kits will be filled and picked up on a weekly basis (or less frequently, depending on patron preference).
This service is for all children grade 5 and under.
Volusia County Public Library was presented the 2020 Innovation Award from the Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN) for our Lit Kit to Go program.
Volusia Reads Stories!
Our children's librarians pick a storytime theme every week and suggest titles for you to download or checkout.
Select a book cover to make a reservation. Library card number and PIN code required.
Subscribe to our Volusia Reads Stories! newsletter and get these reading suggestions weekly in your inbox.
