Dig deep into reading this summer with the Friends of EPL Summer Reading Challenge.
Readers of all ages are invited to participate and earn prizes. This year's theme is "Plant a Seed, Read! Young readers can earn prizes for every two hours of reading completed during the summer reading journey. Earn up to four more prizes for reading and logging 11, 14, 17, and 20 hours in Beanstack!
Adults will be awarded by logging each book they read during the seven-week program. Everyone is urged to track their reading in the Beanstack Tracker App on their smartphone, or by visiting services, youth services, and selecting Summer Reading 2026 in the drop-down menu.
Second Lady Usha Vance Summer Reading Challenge
Second Lady Usha Vance Launches 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and New Storytime Podcast
The Second Lady Usha Vance Summer Reading Challenge is now open to students in grades K–8. Running through September 4, the program encourages students to read 12 books over the summer. Participants will be eligible for prizes, including a trip to Washington, D.C. Families can learn more and register at WH.gov/read. Library staff are encouraged to share this opportunity with young readers in their communities.
This year’s updated website also introduces a new feature for 2026—a state-by-state leaderboard that tracks participation nationwide (Go Ohio!).
In addition, a new initiative, “Storytime with the Second Lady,” has launched as a podcast series featuring the Second Lady and special guests reading beloved children’s stories. Episodes are available on YouTube and Spotify.