Summer is here, and with it comes a chance to explore new worlds, embark on thrilling quests, and unravel captivating mysteries – all from the comfort of your favorite chair! Local libraries and bookstores are gearing up for another exciting season of Summer Reading Programs, offering a treasure trove of opportunities for children, teens, and adults alike to keep their minds engaged and their imaginations soaring.
The best part? These fantastic programs are completely FREE! Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just rediscovering the joy of reading, there's something for everyone. Get ready to earn fantastic prizes just for turning the pages!
LAST UPDATED: June 16, 2026
| Broome County Public Library (Binghamton, NY) |
BCPL's Summer Reading Program for children of all ages runs July 1 – August 15, 2026. Stop by the Children's Room to register starting June 15, 2026 to pick up materials. The Summer Kickoff Party is Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 3-6PM. |
| Fenton Free Library (Binghamton, NY) |
Fenton Free Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program dates are TBA. Check back soon for registration info. 📚 Story Time: Wednesdays at 10:30AM |
| Vestal Public Library (Vestal, NY) |
The Vestal Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge for all ages runs from June 29 – August 14, 2026. Sign up during the kickoff week (June 29 – July 3) to enter a special summer activity raffle! Weekly performance events centered on the theme "Unearth a Story" run July 6 – August 14. 📚 Arnold Park Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30AM |
| Your Home Public Library (Johnson City, NY) |
2026 Summer Reading Program details are TBA. Reading logs can typically be picked up directly at the library once active. Questions? Call 607-797-4816. |
| George F. Johnson Memorial Library (Endicott, NY) |
The "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 22 – September 4, 2026. The Summer Reading Kickoff celebration is 5-7pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. 📚 George W. Johnson Park Story Time: Tuesdays at 10AM 📚 Highland Park Story Time: Thursdays at 10AM |
| Mary L. Wilcox Memorial Library (Whitney Point, NY) |
Mary L. Wilcox Memorial Library runs special programming routes and themed reading events all summer. 2026 events are TBA. |
| Apalachin Library (Apalachin, NY) |
The "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Challenge runs from July 6 – August 21, 2026. 📚 Story Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:30AM. (Note: Story Time takes a short break from June 23–July 2, officially returning on Tuesday, July 7, 2026). |
| Candor Free Library (Candor, NY) |
Candor Free Library's Summer Reading Program begins July 6, 2026. 📚 Story Time: Tuesdays at 10:30AM |
| Coburn Free Library (Owego, NY) |
Unearth a great story! Log reading hours between July 1 – August 28, 2026 to win weekly treats and enter the grand prize drawings. The official Kickoff Event is Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10AM. 📚 Story Hour: Wednesdays at 10:15 AM |
| Tappan-Spaulding Memorial Library (Newark Valley, NY) |
2026 program and kickoff schedules are currently TBA. 📚 Story Time: Mondays at 10:00AM |
| George P. & Susan Platt Cady Library (Nichols, NY) |
The 2026 Summer Reading program runs June 27 - August 1, 2026. Don't miss the official 2026 Summer Reading Kick-Off Event on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 2-4PM complete with a dino obstacle course, face painting, cotton candy, and free book giveaways! 📚 Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30AM |
| Deposit Free Library (Deposit, NY) |
2026 registration dates and challenge parameters for Deposit Free Library are TBA. 📚 Story Time: Wednesdays at 9:00 AM |
| Moore Memorial Library (Greene, NY) |
The 2026 Family Reading Challenge info is TBA. 📚 Story Time: Tuesdays at 10AM |
| Nineveh Library (Nineveh, NY) |
Nineveh Library's summer event schedule for 2026 is TBA. |
| Lisle Free Library (Lisle, NY) |
The Lisle Free Library is hosting kids and teens activities Tuesday-Thursday from 1-3pm all summer long. The 2026 Summer Reading Kick-Off Event is on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 3-5PM |
| Afton Free Library (Afton, NY) |
2026 program dates for Afton Free Library are TBA. |
| Bainbridge Free Library (Bainbridge, NY) |
Summer events for Bainbridge Free Library are TBA. |
| Hallstead-Greatbend Library (Hallstead, PA) |
Susquehanna County Library's Summer Quest Kickoff Party is June 25, 2026 at 10AM. |
| Susquehanna Library (Susquehanna, PA) |
Susquehanna County Library's Summer Quest begins June 23, 2026. |
| Montrose Library (Montrose, PA) |
Susquehanna County Library's summer events run June through August. |
| Non-Library Summer Reading Programs |
BARNES & NOBLE Earn a completely free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program for kids in Grades 1-6. Bring a completed log journal to any physical store location between July 1 and August 31, 2026. 📚 Story Time: Wednesdays at 11AM PAULA'S COFFEE HOUSE BOOK CLUB Active throughout July and August. Track reads on a simple logging sheet and turn it back in to secure a promotional voucher for a free food item and drink. 2026 scheduling updates are TBA. PIZZA HUT BOOK IT! The digital Pizza Hut BOOK IT!® app allows parents of kids in Pre-K through 6th grade to easily log goals. Running during the months of June, July, and August 2026 as part of the Summer of Stories™ program, kids who smash their parent-set reading goals secure a digital voucher for a free 1-topping Personal Pan Pizza®. CHUCK E. CHEESE Secure 10 free play points (with any food purchase) for maintaining consistent reading habits! Track page-turning for 2 continuous weeks using the official printable reward tracking charts. |
That's it for now! So, dive headfirst into a world of words this summer! With free programs, engaging activities, and the chance to win exciting prizes, it's a great way to keep your mind sharp, spark your creativity, and create lasting memories. Happy reading!
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