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.
Win FREE SF Giants tickets!
Register for the Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack or at your library by Wednesday, July 1 for a chance to win ticket vouchers!
Winner receives vouchers for 4 tickets to select games in the 2026 season! Recipients have the option to choose the game that works best for them based on availability.
Vouchers must be picked up at your local Sonoma County Library.
For additional info and game dates, please visit: sfgiants.com/summerreading
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
