Summer Reading Challenge
Unearth a Story this summer at CADL!
Reading is a fun and relaxing way to spend the summer and CADL's Summer Reading Challenge is a great way for kids to avoid the summer slide—the decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur while school is not in session.
Participants simply track the number of days read and do fun activities to earn points they can redeem for prizes. All ages are invited to participate.
The 2026 Summer Reading theme is Unearth a Story, inviting you to dig into a good book, history, science, art and more. Read great books, do fun activities and enjoy thousands of free family friendly events throughout the summer. You can also take part in our Story Seekers Passport Challenge and earn passport stamps by visiting each branch location from June 5—August 8. Then, return your completed passport to any branch location and be entered to win a prize. Pick up a passport at any branch location.
Summer Reading Challenge
June 5-August 8, 2026
Get Started
Sign up and keep track of your days read and activities completed through Beanstack, or use our paper log to track your progress. Print out a reading log or pick one up at any CADL branch.
Earning Points and Prizes
You can earn 1 point for every day that you read and 1 point for each activity completed. Whenever you reach a prize level, go to any CADL branch to pick it up. The last day to claim prizes is August 8.
Prize Levels
Babies and Toddlers have two prizes levels:
- Level 1: 15 total points
- Level 2: 30 total points
Adults, Teens and Kids have three prize levels:
- Level 1: 15 total points
- Level 2: 30 total points
- Level 3: 45 total points
Program Sponsors
Sponsors are instrumental in helping us provide library programs that cultivate literacy, lifelong learning and nurture a sense of community and connection. Thank you for supporting community literacy through CADL's Summer Reading Challenge!
First Edition Sponsor
Wordsmith Sponsors
Story Seekers Passport
In addition to our Summer Reading Challenge, you can also pick up a passport at any of CADL's 13 branch library locations beginning June 5. Earn passport stamps by visiting each branch location from June 5 to August 8. Return your completed passport to any branch location to receive a bookmark and be entered to win a CADL Swag Bag!
Summer Events
REPCO Wildlife's Jurassic Program
Tuesday Jul 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Aurelius - In LibraryUnearth a Story with Sloan Museum - Pre-K Paleontology
Tuesday Jul 21, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Okemos - In LibraryWhat dinosaur stories will you tell? Practice the art of storytelling as you dig into a dino sensory...
Tween Hangout—Dino LEGO Build/Dirt Cups
Tuesday Jul 21, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Williamston - In LibraryIt’s tweens only time in the Program Room to build dinosaur creatures out of LEGO bricks and make...
Lansing Hoops
Wednesday Jul 22, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Stockbridge - Heritage School: 222 Western Ave., Stockbridge, MI 49285Drop-in Dino Craft
Wednesday Jul 22, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm Haslett - In LibraryMore Events