Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Dig Into Reading
June 1, 2026 - August 15, 2026
Dig into reading this summer with Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge! Grab your explorer’s hat, dust off your curiosity, and get ready for a summer of prehistoric adventure. From towering tyrannosaurs to tiny trilobites, there’s a whole world of discovery waiting to be unearthed, with plenty of RAWR-some reads along the way.
Read or listen for 15 hours to earn a free book and a chance to win amazing prizes, including a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for kids ages 0–17. Adults who complete the challenge will be entered to win an iPad and receive a book bag, while supplies last.
The fun doesn’t stop at reading. We’re bringing a full lineup of dino-mite events, storytimes, and family programs all summer long. From hands-on activities to larger-than-life adventures, there’s something for every age to explore. Visit our events calendar for details.
Stop by your local Mid-Columbia Libraries branch or register in Beanstack starting May 15; you can begin logging your reading online or using a paper log on June 1.
Happening This Summer
We have an entire lineup of awesome events you wont want to miss! From author visits to reptile encounters, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the library. All our events are free to attend so all you need to do is mark your calendars and take a trip to your nearest Mid-Columbia Libraries branch.
We also have a ton of weekly events for all ages. You can check our calendar of events for the next program that's just right for you! Plus, you can win big with our grand prizes and enjoy tons of rewards just for participating in the summer reading challenge
Read or listen for 15 hours from June 1 through August 15 for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for kids ages 0–17.
Kids can also choose a free book for finishing the challenge*. Adults who complete the challenge will be entered to win an iPad and receive a book bag*. There are also tons of additional prizes and passes to local businesses and attractions.
*While supplies last.
Author Visit: Heather Fox & Jonathan Stutzman
Kennewick Library | 1620 S. Union St.
This summer we are kicking off our summer reading program with a special visit from award-winning illustrator and author duo Heather Fox and Jonathan Stutzman, followed by a book signing.
Monday, June 15
Tuesday, June 16
Keewaydin Park Library at 2 pm
Wednesday, June 17
Glow Hike at Badger Mountain
525 Queensgate Dr., Richland
Join us for a glow in the dark hike up Badger Mountain at dusk. We set up basecamp and provide extra glowstick and you set out to hike up the mountain decked out in glowsticks, glow bracelets and anything else to help light up the night! Bonus points for anyone that comes in their best dino-inspired outfit.
Monday, August 3
Tuesday , August 4
Wednesday, August 5
How to Participate
Beanstack is Mid-Columbia Libraries' source for participating in reading challenges and activities, tracking your reading, and logging and discovering books. Follow these steps to complete library programs like Summer Reading Challenge, Fall Into Reading, 100 Books to Read Before Kindergarten, and more:
1. Register
2. Log your reading.
3. Earn virtual badges as you read, and be eligible to win fun prizes.
How It Works:
You can create an account in Beanstack anytime and use it to keep track of your reading. Earn badges by logging your reading time, writing reviews to share with other readers, or completing activities and fulfilling challenge prompts. Have fun reading while earning the chance to win!
Use Beanstack on any computer or find the Beanstack Tracker app on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. If you have already created an account on Beanstack online, you can use that. New readers must register.
Things to Know
You can register as an individual or a family. Reading programs are organized by age. A reader will only be able to register for the program for their age. If you wish to be contacted about prizes and drawings, please include an email address or phone number as part of your Beanstack profile.
For more information about using Beanstack and frequently asked questions, read the FAQs.
