Read Rocket and The Great Reading Adventure

The Great Reading Adventure is free, open-source software for online library reading programs. Maricopa County Library District leads development. You install it and run the server. Read Rocket is hosted. You do not install anything. A library that has staff to operate open-source software can use The Great Reading Adventure at no license fee. A library that wants a logo, a join code, and a book-goal prize without a server uses Read Rocket's $10 per month branded plan.

Where they overlap

• Both are for library reading programs, not for quiz points.
• Both expect readers to complete activities or logs outside the building.
• Both can support a summer challenge.

Where they differ

• The Great Reading Adventure is software you host. The license fee is zero. The cost is the server and the person who updates it.
• Read Rocket is a website. Accounts, the public page, and the log are operated for you.
• Read Rocket includes a class roster for a teacher and a family log for a parent on the free plan. The Great Reading Adventure is aimed at the library program.
• Read Rocket checks a finished book with a recap. The Great Reading Adventure is organized around challenges and tasks. Read its manual for the current activity types.

How to decide

If the library's IT group already runs .NET apps and wants to own the data on its own server, start with The Great Reading Adventure at greatreadingadventure.com. If a children's librarian needs a flyer code this week and nobody is assigned to host software, use Read Rocket. A teacher who is not part of either library project can still open a free class log.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Great Reading Adventure free?

The software is free and open source. You host and maintain it. Read Rocket's branded library page is $10 per month and is hosted for you.

Does Read Rocket require a server?

No. Staff and families use readrocket.org.

Can a teacher use Read Rocket if the library chooses The Great Reading Adventure?

Yes, but do not ask families to log the same books in two systems. Pick one program for that summer.