2026 Summer Reading Challenge
This summer, supercharge your reading with the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge.
First, choose from a variety of prompts, from finally cracking open that book that’s been gathering dust on your shelf to exploring banned titles. Read at least five books and tell us about them using the form below before 13 September to earn a reward worthy of a bookworm!
Challenge sheets are also available at the Member Services Desk.
- Read a book that was longlisted for the 2026 American Library in Paris Book Award
- Read a book that is over 800 pages
- Read a novel written by an American author that was published in 2026
- Read a picture book
- Read a book written by a Library program speaker from the last season (2025-26)
- Listen to an audiobook
- Read a non-fiction book about American history
- Read a book that you have chosen at random from the Library shelves
- Make one recipe from an American cookbook
- Read a book that inspired a film or TV adaptation — then watch the adaptation
- Read a classic American novel
- Read a book that someone recommended to you (including a Library staff member!)
- Read a book of your choice
- Read a book about the immigrant experience in America
- Read a book that’s been sitting on your to-be-read list for a really long time
- Read a graphic novel that is set in the U.S.
- Read a book in one sitting
- Read a biography or memoir about a famous American person
- Read a book with a purple front cover
- Read a poetry book
- Read a book in which an animal is the main character or narrator
- Read a funny book
- Reread your favorite book
- Read a book that is part of a series
- Read a short story or a short story collection
Have you completed a prompt?
American Authors and Illustrators A–Z
Summer reading challenge for Library members ages 0–12
Young readers: embark on an A-to-Z adventure through American authors and illustrators this summer. A new letter, a new author! To enter, print and fill out the American Authors and Illustrators A–Z Summer Reading Challenge Sheet. Reading together counts: ask a parent or guardian to read to you!
- Read books by 10 different authors and illustrators on our list and win a new book from our selection.
- Read one book by an author or illustrator from each letter on our list of authors A–Z to win two books and a tote bag.
All completed cards must be returned by 29 August at 12h00 to be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Read Across America
Summer reading challenge for Library members ages 12–18
Read your way across the United States and win prices for your reading! Print and fill out the Read Across America Summer Reading Challenge sheet and turn it in at the Children’s and Teens’ Services Desk at the Library to collect your prize.
- Read two books by two different authors associated with different states to win a brand-new book.
- Read five books by five different authors associated with five different states to win two brand new books and a pin.
- Read ten books by ten different authors associated with ten different states to win two brand new books and a tote bag.
All completed cards must be returned by 29 August at 12h00 to be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Please note that this summer reading challenge is open for Library members ages 12–18.