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Is there anything better than relaxing with a good book on a warm summer afternoon? Whether you are relaxing on the beach, lying in a hammock at a camp site or sitting with your feet up on your couch, a good book is a must.
How can you entice kids to indulge in this timeless summer activity? Summer reading programs! Your kids can earn prizes, food, maybe even with a trip to the White House, just by reading.
So head to your local library, try to max out your library card and sign up for all the summer reading programs you can.
Community summer reading programs
- Seattle Seahawks 12 Pages Reading Program: Kids ages 5–15 can track their progress on a reading log and submit their info online between July 29 to Aug. 4 for chances to win prizes, a school reading visit and more!
- Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program: Kids can earn free personal pan pizzas for meeting reading goals in June, July and August.
- Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading: A reading program where kids (younger than 18) read from specialized lists to earn certificates. They are very long lists!
- Barnes & Noble: Kids in grades 1–6 read any eight books and earn a free book. Kids keep track of their reading in a Summer Reading Journal. When they have read eight books, bring the reading journal to a Barnes & Noble store (between July 1–Aug. 31) and choose your free book!
- Half Priced Books Summer Reading Camp: Starting June 1, sign up online to access printable camp components including reading lists, activity ideas and coloring sheets. Head to your local Half Priced Book to get cool camp stickers and information on how to earn $5 Bookworm Bucks in June and July.
- Seattle Arts and Lectures: Summer Book Bingo for adults and kids. Print your bingo card, track your reading and turn in your card at any branch of The Seattle Public Library or the King County Library System by Sept. 8, 2026.
- White House: Summer Reading Challenge (June 1-Sept. 4) for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Kids read 12 books and will receive an America 250th anniversary-themed bookmark and a special link to receive a prize. You’ll also be entered for a chance to visit the White House with a chaperone.
Local library summer reading programs
Local libraries also offer a variety of summer reading programs for everyone from kids to adults. The King County Library System kicks off its Curious Creatures program on June 6, and The Seattle Public Library program called Summer Quest begins June 15. At Kitsap Regional Library, kids and teens can participate in Book Boost and select three free books to keep, or join the Read Something, Do Something Challenge, which encourages readers to set their own goals starting June 1. Pierce County Library System Summer of Stories, and Sno-Isle Libraries Summer Reading Program both start June 1, and invite readers of all ages to celebrate a season of books and learning.
Have a great summer of reading!
