Summer Reading

Summer with MPL: The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge

For All Ages | June 1 - August 31

It builds vocabulary, sparks creativity, strengthens focus, and fosters empathy. Whether you're 1 or 100, a daily reading habit sets you up for success. This summer, we're making it easy. Track your reading, explore something new, and see where the pages take you.

Read alone. Read together. Just keep reading.

How to Participate

1. Sign up at any MPL location and pick up a free book to get you started.*
    

2. Track your reading. Fill in a square on your tracker for every 30 minutes you read or every activity you complete. You can also track online at mpl.beanstack.com.
    

3. Hit your milestones. At 5 hours and 10 hours, stop by any MPL branch to celebrate and collect your milestone reward.
    

4. Design a bookmark (optional). Kids, Teens, and Adults can submit an original bookmark design at any MPL branch before August 31 for a chance to be featured at all MPL locations this fall.
    

5. Finish strong. Read 15 hours before August 31 and visit any branch to receive your certificate.

*Adults receive a coupon for one free used book from the Friends of Milwaukee Public Library Bookseller.

Other Ways to Summer with MPL

• Explore staff recommendations, attend library events, or simply rediscover your love of reading.
• Free events all summer long!
• Printable Programs and Activities (PDF)

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored through generous donations made to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.