The Summer Reading Challenge Begins Today
The wait is over. The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is officially underway.
Beginning today, readers of all ages are invited to Unearth a Story™ with the Laramie County Library System. Whether you are discovering a new favorite author, exploring fascinating facts, listening to an audiobook on a summer road trip, or sharing stories with family and friends, this summer is filled with opportunities to read, learn, and explore.
Inspired by dinosaurs, fossils, exploration, and hidden worlds, this year’s theme celebrates the excitement of discovery and the stories waiting to be uncovered in books, history, science, and the world around us.
The Summer Reading Challenge is free and open to children, teens, and adults. Participants can track their reading from June 1 through August 15, earn prizes along the way, and take part in programs and activities happening throughout the summer.
To complete the challenge, read for at least 20 minutes a day and track 25 days of reading. Any reading counts, including books, audiobooks, comics and graphic novels, magazines, and reading aloud with someone. Participants can continue reading beyond the challenge to reach additional milestones and celebrate up to 75 days of reading.
Summer reading is about more than completing a challenge. Reading throughout the summer helps students maintain literacy skills while school is out, encourages lifelong reading habits, and gives readers of all ages opportunities to discover new interests and stay connected to learning. Most importantly, it is a chance to enjoy a great story and make reading part of your summer routine.
There is even more to discover beyond the pages of a book. Throughout June, July, and August, LCLS locations will host storytimes, STEM activities, performances, crafts, movies, workshops, games, and a variety of Summer Reading Challenge themed events for children, teens, adults, and families. Whether you are interested in science, creativity, history, dinosaurs, music, or hands-on exploration, there are opportunities all summer long to participate.
Ready to get started?
Register online through Beanstack or visit any LCLS location to sign up and pick up a paper reading log. Then start tracking your reading and discover where this summer’s adventure takes you.
After all, there are stories waiting to be found everywhere.
What will you Unearth a Story™ this summer?