Summer at your Library
June 1 – August 1, 2026
Plant a Seed, Read
Just as a garden nourishes the body, stories and ideas nourish the mind. This summer, whether you’re cultivating a new hobby, exploring new genres, or learning a new skill, we invite you to grow with us.
Sign up for our all-ages Summer Reading Challenge to earn prizes, discover new books, and enjoy free events across Sonoma County!
Pre-registration opens May 1. Paper logs will be available at all libraries starting June 1.
Choose Your Challenge
For Children & Teens (Ages 0-18)
The Goal: Read anything you want for 20 minutes a day.
How to Participate: Log your minutes online or on your paper log.
The Rewards:
- 1 hour (60 minutes): Earn a prize
- 15 hours (900 minutes): Earn a prize book of your choice
Grand Prize Drawings: The more hours you read, the more entries you earn into the Grand Prize Drawings!
- Ages 0-4: Toddler T-Shirt
- Grades K-2: Good Egg/Bad Seed Plush
- Grades 3-5: Spinner Earbuds
- Grades 6-12: Eggplant Phone Stand & Night Light
For Adults (Ages 18+)
The Goal: Read and complete library-related activities.
Check out our staff-curated book lists for inspiration!
How to Participate: Track your progress online or in your paper log.
The Rewards:
- 1 Mini-Challenge (4 activities): Earn an enamel pin
- 4 Mini-Challenges (16 activities): Earn a prize book of your choice
Grand Prize Drawing: The more activities you complete, the more entries you earn into the Grand Prize Drawings!
- Five lucky winners will each get a $200 grocery gift card.
Please note:
- Pick up your prizes at any Sonoma County Library location through August 31, 2026.
- Paper logs must be submitted by August 1, 2026 to be eligible for prize drawings.
- Prizes are available while supplies last.
Why Join the Summer Reading Challenge
It’s more than just turning pages and earning prizes — it’s about fueling the mind and finding your calm.
For Children & Teens: Return to school ready to learn.
Embrace the joy of reading as a family with the Summer Reading Challenge.
- Maintain Momentum: Reading just 20 minutes a day ensures kids maintain their reading skills and return to school ready to learn.
- Build Confidence: Setting and hitting reading goals gives kids a tangible "win," boosting their confidence for the upcoming school year.
- Reading Joy: Choosing their own books makes reading feel more like a treat, and less like homework.
For Adults: Your Daily Reset
Reading isn't just a hobby; it’s a wellness tool. In a world of constant pings and notifications, a book offers a much-needed sanctuary.
- Stress Reduction: Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, lowering your heart rate and easing muscle tension.
- Mental Fitness: Like a workout for your brain, reading improves focus, empathy, and cognitive longevity.
- Lead by Example: When kids see the adults in their lives reading, they’re more likely to pick up the habit themselves.
Free Events for All Ages
We’re hosting a full lineup of free cultural performances, educational workshops, and hands-on fun at libraries across the county. All programs are free, and you don’t need a library card to attend (though some require advance registration).
Explore the Full Event Calendar
