Summer Reading Challenge
June 1–July 31
Early registration starts on May 1, 2026
The 2026 Collaborative Summer Learning Program invites us to journey into a world of dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology! This year’s theme, Unearth a Story/Desentierra una Historia, celebrates curiosity, discovery, and the joy of learning, and the library is the perfect place for our community to explore it all together. Featuring vibrant artwork by Tom Bonson, this year’s program is designed to spark imagination across all ages.
Our Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep readers of all ages engaged throughout the summer by offering a rich mix of educational, literacy-focused, artistic, cultural, and recreational activities. Through hands-on experiences and family friendly events, we help our community stay connected, curious, and excited about learning all summer long.
Discover your next great read with our Summer Reading Challenge book lists, packed with exciting titles for every age and interest.
To see all upcoming events, download a copy of the Explorer or pick up a copy at any library location.
How do I sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge?
Washoe County Library uses Beanstack for all our reading challenges. Visit our Beanstack page to create an account online. If you previously created an account, you may sign up early for the Summer Reading Challenge beginning May 1. Logging reading, activities, and claiming prizes begins June 1. To help keep track of your reading between logins, pick up a paper copy of our reading and activity log (0–18 years old) from any Washoe County Library branch or download on from this page.
What is Beanstack?
Beanstack is the platform Washoe County Library System uses to facilitate our Reading Challenges. The Beanstack app helps you track your reading time and encourages participation by awarding virtual badges for completing activities.
How do kids (ages 0–18) earn prize books?
- Sign up = Free book*
- Read 600 Minutes = Free book
- Complete eight activities = Free book
NEW! Teen Reading Rewards (Ages 13–18) Teens may choose either:
- A book selected from our Summer Reading Challenge teen titles, or
- A voucher redeemable at branch and Friends of Washoe County Library book sales. (See voucher information below for details.)
Can adults participate?
Yes! Adults (19 years and older) can earn up to three free book sale items from branch book sales by reading and completing activities and will receive a voucher for the free item.
Vouchers can also be redeemed at a Friends of Washoe County Library book sale and have a $3 limit. Friends of Washoe County Library vouchers have no cash value, and multiple vouchers can be used at once. Vouchers must be redeemed by August 31, 2026 and cannot be replaced. For book sale dates visit the Friends of Washoe County Library website.
How do adults (ages 19 and up) earn prizes?
- Sign up = Free book sale item*
- Read 600 minutes = Free book sale item
- Complete eight activities = Free book sale item
*If you signed up in Beanstack and earned a registration badge, visit the library to get your prize for signing up.
How do participants earn virtual badges?
Earn virtual badges by logging, reading, submitting reviews, and completing activities in the Beanstack app.
Can I write a book review?
You can add reviews of the books you read for other Washoe County Library readers to find in Beanstack. Reviews are not required.
How do I claim my prize?
Beanstack users will be notified when they win a prize. If you are using a paper log, bring your completed reading and activity log to any Washoe County Library location to receive your prize by August 31. See the complete list of locations and hours.
Can I repeat the program over and over to earn more books?
Everyone can complete the program only once, but you can continue to log and track your reading, complete more activities, and sign up for other challenges in Beanstack. Each participant (0–18) can earn a maximum of three free books and adults (19 and up) can earn a maximum of three free books from branch book sales.
