Summer Reading 2026

Plant a seed, read. Planta una semilla, lee.
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The 2026 summer reading theme is
“Plant a Seed, Read”
a farm-to-table concept exploring food, nature, and stories.

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Corn Pig

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.

 
Please let staff know if you are unable to check-in on a due date.
Kitty Resting
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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

 
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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

  1. Light Up Terrarium Kit.
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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

  1. Plant/Garden themed Lego Set
  2. Book Nook Kit
  3. Zen Garden Kit
  4. Miniature Greenhouse Building Kit
  5. Plant-themed Boardgame Set
  6. Wood-burning Kit
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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

 
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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

 

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Visit our calendar and check all programs.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Brookfield Zoo Logo
Lifters Nutrition Logo
Chicago Stars FC
Chicago Botanic Garden
Classic Cinemas Logo
Target Logo
Galloping Ghost Arcade, Brookfield, Illinois logo
Enchanted Castle Logo
LUURS Garden Center
Memorial park district Logo
The Morton Arboretum Logo
HOURS
Hillside Public Library

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday-Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

VISIT

405 Hillside Avenue
Hillside, IL 60162
Phone: 708.449.7510

© 2026 Hillside Public Library