Plant A Seed, Read: Summer Reading
This summer, join Arlington Public Library to read and participate in fun programs and experiences. Complete the Summer Reading challenge: read for 30 days!
For every person who completes the 2026 Summer Reading challenge, the Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) will donate $1 to the Arlington Food
Assistance Center (AFAC). AFAC provides our neighbors in need with dignified access to free, supplemental groceries.
Receive a free book and earn two free Washington Nationals baseball tickets, while supplies last!
Register in the Arlington Public Library app or use the paper reading log, available at any library location, to mark every day that you read. It’s perfectly legit to backdate your reading log. There is no minimum or limit to how much you can read each day, but you must read on 30 different days to complete the Summer Reading challenge to win prizes.
How Summer Reading Works
- Read for any 30 days, starting on June 1. There is no minimum or limit to how much you can read each day, but you must read on 30 different days to complete the Summer Reading challenge.
- Backdate your reading activity log if you sign up by Sept. 1
- Win prizes!
- Want to keep going? Read an extra 30 days to become a Super Reader.
Important Dates
- Summer Reading starts - June 1
- Last day to register for Summer Reading - September 1
- Last day to pick up prizes - September 2
How to Participate
- Pick your tracking method:
- Download the Arlington Public Library App. Summer Reading registration begins June 1.
- Collect a reading log from your Library or download a copy in English/Spanish [PDF]; large print in English [PDF].
- Track each day you read between June 1 - Sept. 1. You can backdate your reading activity.
- Read for any 30 days to complete the Summer Reading Challenge!
- Claim a Completion Prize at any Library location! Bring your reading log (digital or paper) with you.
- Read an extra 30 days to become a Super Reader.
Why are Summer Reading Programs Important?
Summer Reading helps kids and teens avoid the educational “summer slide.” It gives parents, caregivers and kids an extra incentive to read or listen to books together. It motivates people of all ages to explore new books and authors, and encourages the joy of reading for pleasure.
Summer Reading 2026: Plant A Seed, Read is made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library and the Washington Nationals and is hosted in partnership with the Arlington Food Assistance Center and Arlington County Department of Cultural Affairs.
