Howard County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading: Adventures Into The Wild
We've updated this guide for Summer 2026 with the latest information, dates, and details to help you plan your visit.
Hi friends! So I was poking around for fun (and free!) things to do this summer and stumbled across the Howard County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Adventure. And wow, I knew HCLS had great programs, but I didn’t realize just how much they pack into summer.
Spoiler: It’s not just for kids. Whether you’re a toddler, teen, parent, or “why do I still love YA novels in my 30s?” kind of reader (hi, it’s me), there’s a reading adventure designed just for you. Here’s the details for this summer:
Looking for free summer activities in Howard County, MD? The Howard County Public Library Summer Reading Adventure offers reading challenges, prizes, and fun for kids, teens, and adults. Here's everything you need to know before you join!
For Littles (Birth-4):
The tiniest bookworms get to start their journey with a super sweet butterfly-themed gameboard. Each time you read together for 10 minutes or attend a library class, color in a butterfly. It’s low-pressure, super cute, and such a lovely way to build early literacy skills.
Finisher prize: A free book (yes please).
Available at ALL HCLS branches, June 15–August 15.
Here’s the Infant to Pre-K Book List if you want some ideas to get started.
Kids (Ages 5 - 10):
Okay, this gameboard’s adventure is fish-themed (so cute!). Each time your kiddo reads for 15 minutes or listens to someone read for 15 minutes, color a fish. You could also attend a library class for stories, learning, or more library fun to get credit as well. That’s it!
Finisher prize: Another free book!
Runs June 15–August 15 at ALL HCLS branches.
Teens (middle school and high school):
This one’s set up kind of like a challenge tracker, every time your teen reads, attends classes, borrows items, or complete challenges, they earn raffle tickets. Rack up 10 tickets and boom: you get a prize!
Raffle tickets available at ALL HCLS branches, June 15–August 15.
HCLS even made curated lists for Middle School and High School readers, because yes, they understand teens have specific tastes.
Finisher Prize: Choose from a selection of raffle prizes!
This one is definitely tempting me, like, do you think they’d notice if I tried to sneak into the teen challenge?
Beyond Words (For Teens & Adults with intellectual Disabilities):
I really love this one. It’s based on HCLS’ inclusive Beyond Words classes, and it’s open to teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a vibrant and inclusive monthly class. The gameboard is designed to be accessible and fun, and finishers have a list of activities that develop motor skills, arts & crafts, cognitive skills, movement, and sensory skills to complete. Finish 10 activities, and the prize is yours!
Finisher prize: Your choice of a water bottle, fidget toy, teen prize, or adult prize!
Available at ALL HCLS branches June 15–August 15.
Adult:
So yes, grown-ups are invited too! In all honesty, in past summers I haven’t done the reading challenge. I always say I’m going too and then life gets busy. But, this year I’m very intrigued and I want to give it a try!
HCLS is offering this really cool Reading Journal for adults—basically a little booklet with 13 curated prompts to help guide your reading. This year, adults need to read 3 books or or compete 3 reading challenges in the journal. Think of it more of like a competition with yourself, and the vibe is more: “Hey, let’s get out of our comfort zones and read something we didn’t expect to love.” And I’m so into this idea!
Journals are available at ALL HCLS branches.
The challenge runs June 15–August 15 (but you can journal all year). And if you’re not sure where to start, HCLS put together a list of titles by category. Or, take a minute to talk to your librarian (they’re better at recommending books than ChatGPT!) and ask for a recommendation.
I love that it’s both low-pressure and kind of motivational. Plus, I’ll admit, I’m curious to see what I gravitate toward once I’m nudged out of my usual reading bubble (which is 80% thrillers and 20% “that book that made me cry on Instagram”).
Finisher Prize: Even adults have prizes this year! All you need to do is fill out the summer reading survey, and then you have a choice of a water bottle or notebook + pen set.
Summer Events & Celebrations:
HCLS isn’t just about reading quietly (although I do love that vibe). They also host events all summer long, and they sound so fun. Past celebrations have included:
Party on the Patio
Summer Reading Carnival
Mythological Creatures of Legend
Summer Safari
Passport to Adventure
At the celebrations this year, enjoy crafts, games, live animals, and more! Here’s the full list of summer events. If you’re local, these events are a great way to connect in real life about books, have some snacks, maybe even listen to live music? Count me in.
How to Join:
Getting started is super easy:
Swing by any HCLS branch.
Pick up a gameboard or reading journal (or both—no judgment).
Start reading, tracking, and checking off your challenges.
Prizes are available while supplies last, so don’t wait too long to grab your materials.
I honestly love that the HCLS summer reading adventure is for everyone. Whether you're helping a toddler count butterflies or challenging yourself to read more intentionally as an adult, HCLS has made it joyful and accessible.
Let me know if you’re participating, maybe we can even trade recommendations! I’ll be the one journaling with a latte and probably overthinking which genre to try next.
