Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Dig Into the Summer Reading Challenge

Readers of all ages are invited to dig into our annual Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s challenge, Plant A Seed, Read, celebrates reading as a path to growth for everyone. Registration begins Monday, June 1, and the challenge will end on Saturday, August 8. Grand Prize Drawing winners will be selected on Monday, August 10.

Don't miss the Summer Reading Kickoff Party on Wednesday, June 3 at 6 PM! All ages are invited to register for the Summer Reading Challenge while enjoying free snacks, fun crafts, and an incredible show of magic and circus acts by Miss Make-Believe and Jared the Juggler.

How it Works

Kids must read for 6 hours total in 20-minute increments. Upon registering, participants receive a tin box to decorate and collect trinkets. Every 20 minutes wins 1 prize trinket to add to your tin box collection! Check-in at the Youth Services Desk for trinket prizes.

Adults and teens can complete select activities on a bingo card for up to 4 Grand Prize entries. Teens will get a small prize upon registration when they check-in at the Adult & Teen Services Desk. 

How to Register

Register online through Beanstack, over the phone by calling 708-485-6917, or in-person at the Library or at the Library's booth at the Farmers Market starting Saturday, June 6.

Youth Grand Prizes (K-5)

Teen Grand Prizes (6-12)

Adult Grand Prizes (18+)

How to Participate

Participants can track their progress in the Beanstack app or on a physical log sheet. Register online through Beanstack, over the phone by calling 708-485-6917, or in-person at the Library or at the Library's booth at the Farmers Market.

A fox reading a book. Get your little one prepared for school with the 1000 books before kindergarten challenge.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

  • Registration for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is ongoing.
  • This reading challenge is open to all kids from birth to Kindergarten.
  • The main goal is to read 1000 books, but every time you read 100 books, you receive a prize when you check-in at the Library's Youth Services Desk.