Join us for
Summer Reading!
What is the Summer Reading program?
Reading is an important way to stay engaged during the summer. The library provides reading experiences for all ages to find enrichment and enjoyment in reading, minimize the summer slide, and maintain academic skills. Interest-based reading has been proven to improve school success and it’s also a lot of fun!
JOIN US – June 1 through Aug. 31, 2023!
Join Summer Reading
Pick up reading logs for the whole family, available at Library locations June 1. Track your reading and earn a prize while supplies last! In addition to paper trackers, the online option for tracking is Beanstack. You can participate online or by downloading the Beanstack app from your app store.
Get fun stuff
Visit your library to pick up an activity booklet or bingo sheet, fun do-at-home activities and more.
Read, Read, Read
Read every day. Read books, e-books, audiobooks, comics – it all counts. Read to a sibling – that counts too!
Help us improve Summer Reading. Take the online survey.
Books for Kids
Books for Teens – First Book in a Series
Books for Adults
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Summer Reading events and programs begin?
We will be offering in-person events throughout the summer, beginning mid-June. Check out the Library’s calendar for more information!
What are the prizes this year?
This year, prizes include:
- Babies & Toddlers: up to two board books
- Kids & Tweens (ages 3-12): up to three free books and a free pass to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek
- Teens (ages 13 to 18): up to three free books and a raffle entry to win a $50 gift card
- Adults: Raffle entry to win a $25 gift card
- Beanstack users of all ages: Raffle entry to win a $25 gift card
All prizes are made possible by the Pierce County Library Foundation with support from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek, D.V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Fund and the Florence B. Kilworth Foundation.
Can Pierce County Library System staff participate?
Pierce County Library System staff members are welcome to participate but are not eligible to win prizes. Their family members can participate and earn entries for prize drawings!
Do I have to live in Pierce County and/or have a library card to participate?
No, living in Pierce County or having a Pierce County Library card is not required to participate in Summer Reading activities.
To win prizes, you do need to live in Pierce County, have a Pierce County Library card, or live in the service area of one of our reciprocal library systems.
Do I have to read certain things?
No, you can read anything you like! Reading any genre or format, including e-books, graphic novels, magazines and zines; reading with or to children; even listening to audiobooks, all count as hours on your summer reading log.
Does listening count?
Yes, of course! Listening to stories on audiobooks, read-along or other formats counts, as does reading with or to children.
How do I get a paper log?
Come on into your Pierce County Library to pick up print materials from your local library starting June 1. You can also request reading logs as part of Curbside pickup.
If you can’t make it in, you can download a log below:
Can I track my reading online?
Yes, you can track your reading online using the Beanstack app. Beanstack is a free website and mobile app used to track your reading. You can sign up for Beanstack online or download the mobile app from the Google Play or Apple store.
Is Beanstack available for all ages?
Yes! You can sign up for Beanstack as an individual or as a family, and choose to participate in the Summer Reading challenge.
One benefit for families is that parents can link children accounts to their account and log all reading time and activities in one place.
Can I track my reading using both Beanstack and the paper reading log?
Yes – but please note that to receive a free book prize, you’ll need to visit your local Pierce County Library. Show participation either through your Beanstack app or the paper reading log.
Tell me more about Summer Reading and how it works.
Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children to read during their summer vacation, use the library and develop the habit of reading. The benefits to readers in a summer reading program include:
- encouragement that reading become a lifelong habit
- reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities
- children maintain their reading skills during summer vacation
- events and programs draw people of all ages to libraries to build community and have fun
Find out more on ALA’s Summer Reading Programs resources page.
