Summer Reading 2026
The 2026 summer reading theme is
“Plant a Seed, Read”
a farm-to-table concept exploring food, nature, and stories.
How to Participate?
Register and Track online using Reading Zone App with code 4799b.
Track on paper: Register and pick up a form at the Library.
BIRTH-Age 5
Register for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program.
Read 20 minutes per day.
Registration Kit
Folder, Book, Bag.
Completion Prize
Drawstring bag and sand kit.
Halfway Prize
T-Shirt.
Raffle Grand Prizes
- Flower Matching and Sorting Toy
- Kid’s Play Garden Set
- Car Race Track
- Root Viewer
- Ice Cream Scooper
- Magna Tiles Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- Bluey’s Unicorse and Bob Bilby Puppet Set
YOUTH (Grades 1-5)
Read 20 minutes per day
Registration Kit
Folder, Book, Bag.
Completion Prize
Gardening Gloves and Water Bottle.
Halfway Prize
T-Shirt
Raffle Grand Prizes
- Good Seed and Bad Egg Plushie Set.
- Mini Garden Tool Set.
- Giant Cat Plush Pillow.
- Lego Botanicals.
- Light Up Terrarium Kit.
- Make Your Own Squishies.
YA (Grades 6 – 12)
Read 20 minutes per day
Registration Kit
Summer Reading Tote bag, folder, free book, lanyard & floating tractor bubble pen.
Completion Prize
Clear Waist Fanny Pack, Cow Stress Reliever, and Rain Poncho.
Halfway Prize
T-Shirt & Flocked cute animal set.
Raffle Grand Prizes
- Plant/Garden themed Lego Set
- Book Nook Kit
- Zen Garden Kit
- Miniature Greenhouse Building Kit
- Plant-themed Boardgame Set
- Wood-burning Kit
Adults (18+)
Read 20 minutes per day
Registration Kit
Book and Bag
Completion Prize
$5 Panera gift card OR Foldable Organizer
Halfway Prize
Premium Snack Bag (Includes Perishable Items)
Raffle Grand Prizes
- Premium Gift Basket (Same contents as Library Week Basket).
- $50 Target Gift Card.
- $$75 Luurs, food jar, and lunch box.
- #1 Summer Reading gift pack (26 oz water bottle, book tote, bluetooth speaker, and $15 Target gift card).
- #2 Summer Reading gift pack (Mug, magnet, Library Week book bag, and $20 Target gift card).
- Morton Arboretum (6 General Admission tickets).
- HLP umbrella.
- $25 Lifters Nutrition gift card + a wellness evaluation for the winner and a friend.
Ultimate Grand Prize (All Ages)
You will have the opportunity to win an iPad if completed a reading log and had not won a grand prize.
Book Recommendations
Picture Books
Juvenile and Middle Grade Books
YA Books
Adult Books
Spanish Adult Books
Programs
- June 1: Our kick-off celebration runs from 5 – 7:00 pm. Mini Golf: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Week of June 29- July 3: Halfway Week
- July 31 @ 5:00 PM: Summer Reading Ends.
- Summer Reading Finale: Friday, August 7, 5:30pm–7:30pm. Juggling Show: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit our calendar and check all programs.
Thank you to our sponsors!
© 2026 Hillside Public Library