Plant a Seed, Read – 2026 Summer Reading Program
This year’s summer reading theme, Plant a Seed, Read, is rooted in the idea of farm-to-table. Just as a farm grows food that nourishes our bodies, a library grows ideas that nourish our minds. Both food and stories connect us to our family, culture, economy, and ecology. Through this theme, readers of all ages can explore topics like culture, history, science, health, and human connection.
Kids can log minutes, review books, and attend programs to earn raffle entries for prizes like $10 gift cards to Heroic Adventures or $5 to Annie’s Frozen Custard or The Cup, a Matcha Red Panda Squishmallow and a squishy Capybara Nightlight. Kids who complete the challenge by reading 1,800 minutes (about 30 minutes a day) will also receive a free movie ticket at First Community Credit Union.
Teens can read books, write reviews, and attend programs to complete a Bingo Challenge. Earning bingo will give them entries for prizes including $10 gift cards to Heroic Adventures or $5 to Annie’s Frozen Custard or The Cup,and a heated Tortilla Blanket. Teens who complete bingo will also earn a free movie ticket at First Community Credit Union.
Adults can participate by completing their own Bingo Challenge to earn raffle entries for gift cards to local businesses.
You can sign up for the Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading challenges through Beanstack. You can track your progress on their website or through their app and watch your reading grow all summer long!
Have more questions? Scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions section for more details!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
What is Beanstack?
Beanstack is the system we use to host our Summer Reading and other yearly challenges.
When can I register?
The challenge officially starts Saturday, May 30th, and runs until Friday, July 31st. Anyone can register anytime starting May 20th through July 31.
What can you count towards the program?
Books and activities completed between May 30th and July 31st can be used towards the Plant a seed, Read programs. Books read before or after these dates do not count.
Do I have to complete ALL the Challenges?
No! Plant a Seed, Read is supposed to be a fun challenge to complete throughout the summer. If you aren’t having fun, then stop what you are doing and try something else. If you are reading a book and you aren’t enjoying it, try another book!
When do I have to turn in my materials?
Plant a Seed, Read runs from May 30- July 31. All reading logs, challenges, and activities must be submitted by Friday, July 31, to be entered into the raffle drawings.
How do I win a prize?
Kids and teens can find Waldo in the library each week and pick up a small prize for telling us the quote of the week. Kids and Teens can earn a movie ticket for participating in the challenge, thanks to our sponsor, First Community Credit Union. Kids need to read 1800 minutes (equal to 30 minutes a day) and Teens complete bingo to earn their tickets. Once they check in at the library, you will receive a certificate to bring to First Community Credit Union to pick up their ticket. The more reading and challenges you complete, the more entries for a grand prize you’ll earn! Activities must be completed and logged between May 30 through July 31 to be eligible for prizes.
What are the prizes?
Kids and Teens can win a gift card to Heroic Adventures, Annie’s, or The Cup. Participants will be able to choose which gift card in the App. Kids’ grand raffle prize is a Matcha Red Panda Squishmallow and a squishy Capybara Nightlight. Teens’ grand prize is a heated Tortilla Blanket. Adults will be entered to win a gift card from local businesses!
Can someone win more than one gift card?
No.
Community Sidekicks
Thank you to our Community Sidekicks for making our Summer Reading program amazing! Community Sidekicks are sponsors who help make our summer reading programs extra special through monetary or prize donations. We encourage you to go to our Sidekicks’ locations and thank them for their support!
