Summer is almost here, and it’s time to head to the pool, visit new parks and playgrounds, or maybe even go on vacation. It’s also a great time for your child to spend some time reading over the summer as well! Thankfully there are a number of Summer Reading Challenges in our area that will encourage your child to read, reward them for doing so, and hopefully grow and continue their love of reading. We’ve listed the 2026 Summer Reading Challenges in our area, so find the closest program (s) and start reading. When you visit a Library to sign up, don’t forget to check out some books to get the reading started! Most of these programs are for all ages, including families with young kids who are not yet independent readers!
Bexley Public Library Summer Community Read
May 30-August 1
Get ready to “Dino-SOAR into Reading” at the Bexley Public Library during our 2026 Summer Community Read! Spend your summer with us digging up new stories to read, discovering fun dinosaur facts at our T-REX-ceptional programs, or entering to win some DINO-mite prizes. You’ll always find something RAWR-some happening at the library!
Columbus Metropolitan Library Summer Reading Challenge
June 1-July 31, 2026
Summer Reading Challenge starts June 1! All ages are invited to participate. Whether you’re 1 month or 110 years, reading and listening to books supports your brain!
Register in person or online. Pick up your reading tracker at any library location starting June 1.
Delaware County District Library Summer Reading Club
June 1– July 31
Attention readers of ALL ages! You are invited to join the Summer Reading Club at the Delaware County District Library. This summer’s theme is Let Freedom Read and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Use the navigation menu to explore reading adventures you can take this summer. No matter your age, there’s a place for you or someone you know.
Grandview Heights Public Library Summer Reading Club
Program runs May 26-August 2
Summer reading fun for the whole family! Register online or at the library beginning on Tuesday, May 26!
Marysville Public Library Summer Reading Program
Join us for our annual Summer Reading Program, open to all ages! Beginning on May 18, visit us to pick up your reading log.
May 18- July 24
Pataskala Library
June 1- July 13
Registration for the 2026 Summer Reading Program opens Monday, June 1st!
Program runs from June 1st – July 13th.Featuring Programs For:
- Kids (entering grades K-5)
- Registration available in person only beginning June 1st
- Tweens & Teens (entering grades 6-12)
- Adults (aged 18+)
Plain City Public Library Summer Reading Program
Begins on June 1
The Plain City Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program begins June 1st! The Summer Reading Program offers participants rewards for reading over the summer months. The Plain City Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program for kids (ages 3 – 12), teens (12-17), and adults (18 and up).
Beginning June 1 simply pick up a reading log at the library or print one at home using the links below. You’ll have until August 1 to fill in your reading log and turn it in to the library. Reading logs can be returned in person, in the library’s book drop, by mail, or you can email a scanned copy or photo to [email protected] (kids reading logs) or [email protected] (teen and adult reading logs) and make arrangements to pick up your prizes later.
Pickerington Library Summer Reading
May 22 – August 1
Join the fun starting May 22 by signing up online to track your progress digitally, or stop by any library location to register and pick up a paper reading log. Earn rewards for reading, visiting the library, and attending programs, plus entries for a chance to win one of 10 Grand Prizes—through Aug 1.
This year’s Summer Reading theme, Red, White & READ!, celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by inviting our community to explore literacy through the lens of our nation’s past, present, and future. Through discovery, innovation, and storytelling, Summer Reading highlights how libraries connect people to ideas, creativity, and one another. Summer Reading is open to everyone and offers programs and activities for all ages. It’s going to be a great summer!
Southwest Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
Kicks off June 7
Upper Arlington Public Library Summer Library Club
June 1- July 31
Westerville Public Library Summer Reading Program
Challenge yourself to a summer of reading……and earn a prize when you meet your goal!
- Register yourself & your family. (May 22–July 31)
- Set your reading goal.
- Read!
- Once you meet your goal, stop by to pick up your prize.
Worthington Libraries Summer Reading Club
May 22 – August 2
If you dig gift cards, toys and coupons for free food, make tracks to the Library! No bones about it, reading and checkout challenges– plus ext-roar-dinary library programs– make this year’s summer reading club a treat to complete. Stomp, soar and explore more starting May 22!
Other Reading Programs (non Libraries)
Rusty Bucket Bucketeer Bookwarms
The Bucketeer Bookworm Reading Program is designed to encourage kids to read. Enrolling is child’s play: just visit your neighborhood Bucket and ask for your Bucketeer Bookworm Bookmark Tracker.
- When they finish five books, they earn a complimentary kid’s meal.
- Visit your favorite Rusty Bucket location to pick up your Bucketeer Bookworm Bookmark Tracker today!
*Offer includes one complimentary kids meal with beverage for one child with each 5 books read per adult entrée purchased (dine-in only). Offer does not include tax and gratuity
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
This summer, kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Read any eight books and record them in your Summer Reading Journal (see links below). When you’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your free book! Redeemable 7/1-8/31. Learn more here.
Happy Reading!
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