Summer Reading 2026

 

Dates to Remember:

Summer Reading Sign Up Begins: Monday, June 1
First Day To Check in: Monday, June 8
Last Day To Check in: Saturday, August 1

New: Summer Reading T-shirts

You can level up your wardrobe with a Summer Reading t-shirt just like the ones library staff wear!
Check out the wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles available in our official shop.
Show off your library spirit all summer long!
Profits from our shop will go to the Friends of the Crete Public Library to help support our future programming and services.

 

Summer Reading Program

Age Group How It Works Weekly Prizes Drawing Prizes

KIDS:

Read-to-Me
Age 0-5
  • Sign up online.
  • Track the number of books you read to your child.
  • Check in once a week in person.
 Turn in your weekly reading log at the Youth Services desk.

  • 5 days = 1 spinner prize

Spin for:

  • A guaranteed prize from the prize box
  • A bonus book
  • Or a bonus prize
 Complete the activity logs each week to enter a monthly drawing for our prizes.

As a bonus, each time you check out materials in person, you will receive an entry for a gift basket drawing sponsored by the Friends of the Library!

KIDS:

Readers
Age 6-12
  • Sign up online.
  • Track the number of minutes you read to your child or your child reads.
  • Check in once a week in person.
 Turn in your weekly reading log at the Youth Services desk.

  • 5 days = 1 spinner prize

Spin for:

  • A guaranteed prize from the prize box
  • A bonus book
  • Or a bonus prize
 Complete the activity logs each week to enter a monthly drawing for our prizes.

As a bonus, each time you check out materials in person, you will receive an entry for a gift basket drawing sponsored by the Friends of the Library!

TEENS:

Age 13-18
  • Sign up online.
  • Track the material checked out from the Library on your reading log.
  • Check in once a week in person, online, or by phone (708) 672-8017.

    • Checkin online once per week from June 9 through midnight on July 26.

    Note: Checkins must be submitted by 9am Mondays to be considered for the previous week. Only one entry per week will be included in giveaways.

 Check in weekly to be eligible for drawings for gift certificates from local businesses.

Play our weekly game in person for a chance to win a prize from our prize cart.

If you check in 6 of the 7 weeks, you will earn a toiletry bag.

 As a bonus, each time you check out materials in person, you will receive an entry for a gift basket drawing sponsored by the Friends of the Library!

ADULTS:

Age 19+
  • Sign up online.
  • Track the material checked out from the Library on your reading log.
  • Check in once a week in person, online, or by phone (708) 672-8017.

    • Checkin online once per week from June 9 through midnight on July 26.

    Note: Checkins must be submitted by 9am Mondays to be considered for the previous week. Only one entry per week will be included in giveaways.

 Check in weekly to be eligible for drawings for gift certificates from local businesses.

Play our weekly game in person for a chance to win a prize from our prize cart.

If you check in 6 of the 7 weeks, you will earn a toiletry bag.

 As a bonus, each time you check out materials in person, you will receive an entry for a gift basket drawing sponsored by the Friends of the Library!

 

Reading Logs

Ages 0-5 Week 7 Summer Reading Log
Ages 6-12 Week 7 Summer Reading Log

Teen and Adult Summer Reading Log

FAQ

Why is Summer Reading so important for children?
Reading and literacy is so important to have access to year-round! We want to help encourage our community to keep reading and reduce the summer slide! What is the summer slide? Research shows that kids who don’t practice reading skills during times when school is not in session can lose gains made the previous school year. Just 20 minutes of reading a day can provide huge exposure to language, resulting in a greater understanding of the world around them.
Who can participate?
Anyone! This program is for all ages.
I have a library card from another local library. Can I still participate?
Yes. Library cards must be in good standing to win certain prizes.
Is there a fee to participate?
No, our Summer Reading program is free.
How do I sign up?
Sign up online (see chart above for links) or visit the Library between June 3-July 19.
I didn't get a chance to register on June 3. Can I still participate?
Yes! You can sign up for Summer Reading anytime between June 3-July 19.
What do I have to read?
There are no specific books to read. This program focuses on the joy of reading. You can read what you want but just make sure to follow the guidelines of your age group before turning in your log. For adults and teens, qualifying materials include books, audiobooks, ebooks/eaudiobooks, and magazines, but no DVDs or children’s books.
Do audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines count?
They certainly do! Check out any of these from the Library or from our digital collections: Libby, Hoopla, or boundless.
Is there a Summer Reading log?
Yes, you can pick one up at the Library or download one (see section above for links) beginning June 3.
When does Summer Reading start and end?
June 3–July 26
How do I check in?
Children ages 0-12 can bring their log into the Library to the Youth Services Desk to check in and spin for their prize!
Adults and teens can check in at the Adult Services Desk, online, or by calling (708) 672-8017.
Are there any events this summer?
We have lots of incredible events planned for this summer. Visit our Events Calendar.