Summer Reading
Our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is almost here! We have so many fun programs, events, and prizes planned for all ages. Our programs begin on June 20th, 2026. Read on for more information, and keep an eye on this page – and our Events Calendar – for updates.
Introducing Dyer Library’s 2026 Summer Read and Bead Challenge
June 20th – August 30th, 2026
Get ready to see your progress come to life! This summer, Dyer Library is excited to debut our very first Read & Bead Challenge, running from June 20th through August 30th.
We wanted to find a creative way to celebrate every page turned, so we’re turning reading time into a wearable work of art. As you log your minutes—whether you’re reading solo, listening to an audiobook, or sharing a story together—you’ll earn a variety of colorful, metallic, and glow-in-the-dark beads to build a custom necklace that grows along with your reading list.
How Does It Work?
Stop by the library beginning June 20 to register. Pick up a reading log, a necklace, and one of our special brag tags–then get started on your summer reading adventure! When you read, mark off your time on the reading log and come in to visit the “Bead Bank” to create your own customized SRP necklace.
Bead Bank Values:
15 minutes (neon color pony bead)
30 minutes (sparkly pony bead)
1 hour (metallic pony bead)
2 hours (glow in the dark pony bead)
4 hours (shape bead)
Every 4 hours = dog tag!
Level up as you read!
Example: If you read for 30 minutes on Monday and earn a sparkly bead, then read for another 30 minutes on Tuesday and earn another sparkly bead, you can trade those in for a metallic bead, if you wish!
Plan a design!
Here are some examples:
A pattern of sparkly and solid
Bead, shape, bead, shape
Etc.
Take note
You must bring your log to visit the bead bank!
If you are exchanging beads to “level up” you must have the beads with you to deposit back into the bead bank.
FAQs
Who can participate in Summer Reading?
We have programs for ALL ages!
How do I start?
Register at the children’s desk starting on June 20!
My child can’t read independently yet. Can they participate in the Read and Bead Challenge or Adopt a Reading Buddy?
Yes! Any amount of time they are read to also counts towards their reading log.
How do I log the minutes and hours I read?
Mark your paper log and when you have a section of circles filled in, stop by the Bead Bank! Library staff will check off your paper log each time you visit for beads.
What counts as reading?
You can read by yourself or out loud to another person. You can listen to an audio book or listen to someone else read to you. Anything with words (and/or pictures) can count towards your minutes read.
Options For Younger & Older Children
We have reading fun planned for all ages and all types of readers! Whether you’re a kid or a busy adult, there’s a place for you in our community of readers.
Books and Babies
Babies can enjoy a complimentary “Indestructable” book and caregiver literacy guide. Sign up at the children’s desk while supplies last! Begins the week of June 20th.
Adopt a Reading Buddy
The Summer Read and Bead Challenge is open to ages 5 and up. If beads present a hazard, children 5 and under can participate in Adopt a Reading Buddy. During the week of June 20, Reading Buddies for children under 5 will be available to “adopt” from the library while supplies last. The only criteria required is that the child agrees to read “with” or to their reading buddy every day – you can keep track with a reading log all summer long! If all our buddies are adopted crazy-fast, we may offer another chance mid-July.
Tweens & Teen Program
For ages 11+, sign up for our raffle style challenge! There will be one drawing at the end of the program, with a grand prize and 4 runner-up prizes, for a total of five winners. Tweens can stop by once a week, show us they’ve completed one of the activities listed on the reading log, and receive one entry into the raffle per week. The more weeks you participate, the more cumulative chances you have to win!
