Summer Reading 2026
Welcome to Summer Reading 2026!
The 2026 national Summer Reading theme is Unearth a Story! This summer explores a lot of different “-ologies,” like paleontology, archeology, and anthropology. We’ll explore Greek mythology, dig for fossils, learn about ancient pigments and paints, enjoy prehistoric snacks, and all sorts of other time traveling fun.
Our summer program remains totally FREE thanks to the generous support of the Allen W. and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation, Osawatomie Rotary Club, First Option Bank, NEKL Foundation, and individual donors. Thank you to our sponsors!
How to Register
IN PERSON (preferred): Register in person anytime between May 26th and July 10th by visiting with a librarian at the circulation desk. We’ll ask for the name, age, and contact information (or parent contact) for each reader in your family. Youth participants will receive a packet of information, including reading logs and summer calendars, and adult participants will receive their mini “Field Guide” reading log.
ONLINE: Register online by clicking here. All ages register using the same form -- youth AND adults! Online registrants can download and print their own copies of the 2026 reading logs OR you’re welcome to grab a copy on your next visit to the library.
Looking to claim a seat at a particular activity or event? Check out our Activities and Programs page.
How to Participate
This year’s program encourages reading in all forms for ALL ages: physical books, audiobooks, e-books, comics, Tonies, and beyond. Log every minute you read, listen, and explore to win big! Readers are rewarded for minutes read, up to 1800 total minutes over the six week program. Track your reading on the provided logs and check-in with a librarian to redeem for milestone rewards and raffle tickets toward our end-of-summer prizes. Youth patrons have a dino-mite tracking log to keep them motivated, and adults have fun mini field guides to lead them through a summer of discovery.
Youth participants can also earn extra raffle tickets for attending activities or events, and by completing the bonus challenges on their reading logs. Earn one ticket for every 50 points!
Important Dates
- Registration Opens: Tuesday, May 26th
- Registration Ends: Friday, July 10th
- Last Day to Turn In Logs: Saturday, July 11th
- Prize Winners Announced: Monday, July 13th
- Last Day to Claim Prizes: Saturday, July 25th