Want to help prevent the summer slide in your kids? Participating in a summer reading program can help do that and more!
Participating in summer reading programs can help spark a love of reading and improve literacy skills. Our family had participated in our local library summer reading programs a couple of times and I've seen firsthand how it has ignited a love for reading and has helped them develop new interest in different genres and potential career choices. Many summer reading programs offer some really cool incentives that makes the experience even more exciting, encouraging readers to set and reach personal goals.
Here’s a selection of local and national summer reading programs that families can enjoy:
Richmond
Summer Reading Program 2026
June 1st – August 1st
Summer Reading Kickoff Events
Saturday, 6/6
Kickoff – June 6, Main Library
RippleCon Mini Fandom/Comic Convention: gaming tournaments, RPGs/D&D, cosplay contest (cash prizes), crafts, food trucks, and guest appearances.
Summer Reading Program Details
1. Get Your Log–Pick one up at any Richmond Public Library or download it online. We have logs for adults, teens, and children.
2. Read–Keep reading all summer long and record it on your reading log!
3. Win Prizes–Bring your completed reading log to any Richmond Public Library location to win prizes!
Summer Reading Finale
Summer Reading Finale at Park365
Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with a fun-filled party at PARK365! Enjoy crafts, games, activities, music, and raffles all day long.
Join Richmond Public Library and partners including the Children’s Museum, Science Museum, ExCELL, Lewis Ginter, and more!
Saturday, 8/1 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Park365
3600 Saunders Ave N, Richmond, VA 23227
More information: Summer Reading 2026 June 1st – August 1st - Richmond Public Library
Henrico
2026 Summer Reading
June 1–August 8
Youth and adults get the opportunity to read & review books, earn prizes!
Patrons must sign up with Beanstack
More information: Summer Reading 2026 - Coming Soon - Henrico County Public Library
Details
- Sign Up for Summer Reading at local Henrico County Library and get a FREE pencil, bookmark & hardcopy of the reading log
- Log in your reading time
- Earn prizes:
1 book = 120 minutes = 1 milestone
Activities also counts as milestones. You can complete a combination to complete a challenge.
Challenge Prizes:
- Pre-readers (Pre-K): FREE tote bag
- Kids (Grades K-5): FREE drawstring bag
- Teens (Grades 6-12) FREE tumbler
- Adults: FREE mug
Grand prizes include:
- Pre-readers: Giant Soft & Safe Dinosaurs
- Kids & Teens: Nintendo Switch 2 w/ Mario Cup World or 3D Printer
- Adults: Birdbuddy Pro
More information: Summer Reading 2026 - Coming Soon - Henrico County Public Library
Ashland, Hanover & Goochland
The Town of Ashland, Hanover and Goochland counties are part of the Pamunkey Regional Library System. Many of the libraries are hosting a Summer Reading Program Kick Off Events.
Upcoming Summer Reading Events:
June 1
June 3
June 4
June 5
- SRP Kick Off Party - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Mechanicsville Branch)
June 6
- T-Rex Tea Party 2.0 - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Goochland Branch)
June 9
- Summer Reading Kickoff Party! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Goochland Branch)
June 10
June 12
- Prehistoric Puzzle Palooza - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Montpelier Branch)
- Origami Dinosaurs! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Atlee Branch)
- Dinosaur Trivia - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Mechanicsville Branch)
June 19
- Tea-Rex Party at the Library! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Montpelier Branch)
- Jurassic Sensory Bottle - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Atlee Branch)
June 20
- Movie Morning: Blaze the Monster Machine: Dino Derby - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Mechanicsville Branch)
Other Summer Reading Programs
BBGB: Summer Reading Program Dates:
- May 15 – Aug 30, 2026
Youth can participate in their summer reading book bingo and win prizes and enter raffles for 1st Bingo, 2nd & 3rd Bingo or filling up the entire Bingo card!
Barnes & Noble: Students in grades 1-6 can receive a FREE book for reading books and writing about them in their reading journal. bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2026 to get your free book from the provided list on the journal.
Books-A-Million & 2nd & Charles: Pick out 4 books from our Summer Reading List, fill out a Reading Journal, turn it in and get a gift!
Chuck E. Cheese: 10 FREE play points for reading and filling out the Reading Rewards Calendar. You can access the certificate here: Chuck E Cheese Reward Certificate
Panda Express: FREE kids meal coupon when students read 5 books!
Department of Defense: Reading program for military families & children stationed worldwide. This year's theme is Plant a Seed, Read.
Pizza Hut Book It Summer Program: Kids in grades pre-k through sixth grade can earn FREE personal-sized pizza and more!
Mensa for Kids' Excellence in Reading: Youth ages 18 and under can earn a commemorative certificate in recognition of outstanding achievement and get an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!
Find more national reading programs here: Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids in 2026: Books, Pizza & Prizes
